Second half rush falls short vs. Providence

On September 21, 2019, MIT hosted Providence RFC at Briggs Field for their 3rd match of the season. MIT were looking to avenge their NERFU Cup loss to Providence from last spring, where Providence went on to win the Cup. It was a hot day and MIT came out flat and disorganized. Two early mauls from Providence led to tries, as MIT turned each maul and somehow a Providence runner broke free for the score both times. Providence added another score after their inside center broke the gain line and their forwards supported. MIT frequently gave up stupid penalties around the breakdown and Providence took advantage. MIT’s lone first half highlight came when Providence kicked to MIT full-back Ferran, who was playing in his last game with MIT. Ferran fielded the kick and chip kicked over the defense. Ferran then outpaced the Providence winger to the ball and kicked it ahead into the try zone. Ferran again outpaced the Providence defense and jumped down on the ball in the try zone. Providence added 3 more tries to make the score 36-5 at the half.

It truly was a tale of two halves, as MIT came out more aggressive on attack in the second half AKA the Brian and Michael show. Brian started off the scoring when he picked off the Providence scrum-half’s pass and ran 70 meters for the score. Providence added a score after poor tackling. Brian then stiff-armed and juked half of the Providence roster for one of his patented tries. Brian again scored with a nearly identical run. Not to be outdone, Michael followed up with 2 tries of his own where he beat multiple defenders, one of which was set up by a beautiful counter-attack off a kick by winger Iggy. Suddenly, MIT were only down 2 scores with time remaining. With momentum on their side, MIT threw the ball in quick from a lineout right to inside center Alex S. Alex took off down the field and had one man to beat. He passed what some would say appeared to be backwards to outside center Eric, but the ref determined it was a forward pass. Providence then marched the ball into MIT’s red zone and appeared to knock the ball on in the try zone, but the ref determined that an MIT player had knocked the ball loose and awarded the try to Providence, ultimately ending MIT’s comeback.

This game saw the return of Daeshauwn to the pack and he had some hard tackles. MIT also saw the debut of Gabe on the wing, and another appearance by Super-dad Evan. Gabe had a nice support run along the sideline and Evan helped in the scrums and had a strong kickoff take.

Men of the match: Eric (backs) and Brian (forwards)

Next match: MIT travel to New London RFC on Saturday, September 28, 2019. The match is at Clarke Lane Middle School at 105 Clark Lane in Waterford, CT at 1:00 PM.