MIT B’s comeback falls short vs. New London

On Saturday, October 3, 2015, the MIT B’s took on New London in a 10’s match due to low numbers from the host side. MIT was aggressive from the start, with center Chris L. stealing the ball in a tackle. New London were flooding people into the breakdowns and were able to turn the ball back over. Not long after, scrum-half Chandler had a long breakaway run, but found no support and the ball was again turned over. The New London winger kicked the ball into the try zone and chased down his own kick for the first score of the game. MIT fought back and Clay had a run through the middle of the defense, dragging defenders with him along the way. New London again were able to turn the ball over in the breakdown, and with one of MIT’s players down with a shoulder injury, New London spun the ball to their speedy winger who scored his second try. Aaron came on for the injured John F., but they still could not stop the New London winger, who scored his 3rd try of the game, making the score 15-0.

Things looked like they were starting to go MIT’s way when Matt intercepted a pass and had a long run. Chris L. followed that up with a long run of his own where he released the ball and got back on his feet to keep the run going. Unfortunately it was the same story as the ball was turned over in the breakdown. MIT finally got on the board when Hacksaw took a handoff from Alan and scored in the corner to make it 15-5. MIT was not done, as Matt sidestepped a defender and touched down to make it 15-10. Sasha picked the ball from the back of the ruck and found no one was home in defense on the weak side. He broke off for a 40 meter run but MIT were unable to capitalize. New London turned the ball over and their winger sidestepped his way into the try zone for his fourth try. A New London center also scored to make it 25-10. Sonny D had a try saving tackle and then scored his 3rd try in as many games. Sub Aaron copied the New London winger and kicked through the defense and touched down his own kick to make it 25-20. It looked like MIT were going to complete the comeback, but New London stole their lineout and one of their forwards (and eventual Man of the Match) scored to make it 30-20.

Man of the Match: Chris L.