MIT get stuck in the mud

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, MIT traveled to Keene NH to take on Monadnock RFC. It was a battle of old vs. new in more ways than one. MIT were facing their old coach, Brad, with their new(ish) coach Evan. With over half of the team experiencing the symptoms of hodophobia, MIT were again forced to send out the beaver signal to call for help. The first person to respond was Old Greg, who made the short walk from the sideline as one of the team’s 2 super-fans. Next to answer was Jake S., who basically only came so he could take 2 long car rides with side-bae Steen. Finally, Cody also answered the signal as he took a break from his 12 social sports leagues to round out the roster. With Coach Brad and all the old faces out again, it was basically alumni weekend (RIP alumni weekend).

Overnight rainstorms left the grass field a wet, muddy mess. MIT knocked-on the opening kickoff, giving Monadnock the ball inside MIT’s 22. MIT defended for multiple phases, but Monadnock eventually worked the ball over for a try. MIT struggled with the wet ball and it seemed like everyone on the team had a knock-on in the first half. With only 3 substitutes available, MIT were still confident in the team that took the field and felt that if they kept their structures and stayed healthy that they would be OK. This plan fell apart quickly after Nigel’s finger got hit in a breakdown and came out looking as crooked as the Stata Center. Only Old Greg was available to drive him to the finger repair store. After an ankle injury to fullback Daniel, and a head injury to Captain Alex, MIT were forced to play a man down for almost 20 minutes. The team defended well and almost half the team had no idea they were even down a man. MIT almost survived the power play, but Monadnock finally scored out wide just before the half.

MIT started the second half back at full strength. The forwards had a tough time getting their footing in the scrums, and Inigo, playing in his first game at scrum-half, had the unenviable task of trying to pick the ball out of the back of the losing scrums. MIT had more success in the line-out with Steen and Cody making connections. Inigo did an excellent job organizing the forwards and backs and keeping the energy high. Monadnock kept the game constricted and mostly utilized their hard running forwards. Jordan and Alan put in massive hits around the breakdown, and both had bloody lips to show for it after the game. Jordan was also big in defense, and showed no signs of a bum ankle (no offense Daniel).

MIT finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second half when wise centre Jake S. distracted an opposing Monadnock player with a friendly chat about where he should have his engagement photos taken. Fly-half LBJ took advantage of the distracted player and intercepted a pass. LBJ was once again on a breakaway for the try line, but got caught in the thickest mud patch on the field, allowing a Monadnock defender to catch up to him. LBJ passed inside to supporting winger, Connor, who magically had no problem sprinting through the same mud patch. MIT were right back in it at 14-7. MIT let down their discipline. Too many high tackles and penalties around the breakdown allowed Monadnock to put in another try to make it 21-7. Zach nearly had a breakaway of his own, but Monadnock defended well and MIT struggled to score. It was a cold, wet, tackle-fest, and Monadnock took better advantage of their scoring opportunities.

Man of the Match: Connor

MIT travel to Weymouth, MA on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 12:00 PM to take on Boston Men’s RFC.

Photos of the match: https://photos.app.goo.gl/J9EDiBCwPsL4G5218