MIT unable to take the shine off of Old Gold

On Saturday, April 21, 2018, MIT hosted Old Gold RFC at Briggs Field for their first home game of the season. It was a beautiful but slightly windy day. The two teams tied the last time they met in the fall. Knowing the game might be won by a hair, Sasha made sure to have his flowing locks tied back by the EMT / stylist at the field.

MIT got off to a fast start as Simon made 2 early penalty kicks despite taking 0 warmup attempts and despite not having anyone work on his hair before the game. MIT had trouble organizing their fringe defense and Old Gold were able to find gaps and score 2 successive tries. MIT struck back with a well-executed backline move to fullback Alex S. who made a defender miss and was then high tackled. Old Gold were called for the penalty and Simon quick tapped and spun the ball to Frank who put Alex S. into space again. Alex S. offloaded to winger Gray who touched down for his first MIT try. MIT had other opportunities in the first half but they could not put together multiple phases due in part to Frank and co. getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar around the breakdown. The half ended with Alex S. booting the ball all the way to Mass Ave.

After squandering first half opportunities MIT hoped to right the ship in the second half. MIT instead crashed the ship as soon as it left the dock. MIT bungled the second half kickoff and Old Gold ran it in for a try. Poor tackling led to another Old Gold try to give them a comfortable lead. MIT continued to compete even after Simon left the field looking like he just fought at a Bout to Benefit and after Jarrad ironically decided that he no longer wanted to wear the jersey that he individually designed and ordered for the team. After a bruising Caleb run through the defense, scrumhalf Johnny found John L. on the weak-side for a try.

For the second week in a row, the team had a Johnson & Johnson duo. This time it was Erik the flanker and Erik the fullback. Erik the flanker chased down what was nearly an 80 meter try for Old Gold while Erik the fullback fielded kicks and counter attacked. Art laid out some smashing hits on kickoffs and in defense. Winger Ike played stifling defense out on the wing. Erez showed promise as long as someone gifts him with a rulebook. New Greg was thrown into the fire and held his own on defense despite playing out of position. Alex A., having his annual back or forward identity crisis ran through several defenders to score as time expired. It was a positive end to what was a frustrating day.

Men of the match: Erik (the flanker) and John L.

Next match: Saturday, April 28, 2018 home vs. Freedom RFC