MIT avenge fall loss to HBS

On Saturday, April 2, 2016, MIT hosted Harvard Business School at Briggs Field on a rainy day for their opening game of the spring season. With the team’s jersey bag out sick with the flu, MIT took the field wearing a hodge-podge of jerseys, practice shirts, and anything else that looked maroon. Both teams showed signs of rust in the first 10 minutes and there were lots of dropped balls due to the rainy conditions.

11 minutes into the game, HBS kicked into MIT territory. Winger Hacksaw fielded the kick and started the counter attack. He linked up with centers James and Fernando who then found newcomer Jonah, who showed just enough pace to get over the line for the try. John G. converted to make it 7-0. Less than 10 minutes later, the MIT forwards worked the ball down the field and were eventually awarded line out inside the 22. Hooker Toro connected perfectly with jumper Martin, who took the ball down to set up MIT’s attack. Scrumhalf Marc spotted a gap and dove for the try line but came up just short. The MIT forwards supported right away and Alex picked up the ball and dove over for the try. HBS spent the rest of the half mostly in MIT’s territory, as MIT were penalized for multiple infringements around the break-down. Luckily for MIT, veterans Frank and Mick made their return to the lineup and put in some strong defensive work around the breakdown and HBS were unable to get any points on the board.

MIT continued the scoring in the second half when Alex stole the ball in tackle from a HBS runner. MIT spun the ball right to fullback Diego, who earned some hard yards running into the defense. MIT then recycled quickly to the left with John G. throwing one of his patented miss-out passes to Hacksaw who picked the ball up on the bounce and scored in the left corner. John G.’s kicking tee betrayed him on the conversion so he attempted a drop-kick with less than stellar results. John G. quickly made up with the kicking tee and converted a penalty kick minutes later after a long run from Toro. Newcomer Jonah had a brilliant chip and chase down the sideline but came up just short of the try line. Jonah would eventually get his second try. After a penalty in front of the posts, MIT quick-tapped and moved the ball through the hands. Prop Zach set up Jonah who touched down for his second try in his MIT debut. HBS scored as time expired to prevent the shutout but MIT was happy to get the win and identify some areas to work on to prepare for the upcoming playoffs.

Man of the Match: Jonah

Next Match: Saturday, April 9, 2016 Home (Briggs Field ) vs. Portland RFC