MIT A defeats Old Gold A in season opener

Teams:MIT vs Old Gold
Played:03/31/2012 @ MIT
Score: 19 - 5 MIT win

MIT kicked off the 2012 Spring Season last Saturday on their home patch in Cambridge. Despite inclement weather forecasts a repeat of the Fall season closing conditions did not materialize and a fresh Spring day made for fine rugby conditions.
Old Gold, a side who finished mid-table in Division II in the Fall provided the opposition on the day. Facing a side one-division above them and missing some personnel from the previous Fall season MIT faced into this game as the bookies underdogs. Fortunately for MIT the bookies were not the XV taking the field, as the MIT boys had other ideas.
The game begun at a frantic pace with the Old Gold pack looking to soften up the MIT defence with hard runs close to the ruck and maul. This saw them exert some pressure in the MIT half in the opening 10 minutes. Despite the bombardment MIT’s defence was working well and the tight five in particular were making some big hits beyond the gain line.
MIT got their hands on the ball on the 13 minute mark and made a drive upfield with forwards and backs linking well and offloading in contact. Brad picked a fine support line to finish the drive with a try which was converted by John G.
The remainder of the second half was less free flowing with many frustrating penalties at ruck time and some less than sympathetic crooked throw calls slowing the pace of the game. MIT remained patient however and after a strong scrum near the Old Gold line, no.8 Mick offloaded to scrum half Ruaridh who drew two defenders before feeding Frank who finished the try with deft step. The score came at a crucial time as the half time whistle blew immediately afterward on a score of 12-0 to the home side.
MIT expected a backlash from the Division II side after half time and it came in spades. However the MIT defence was growing more confident and pushing off the line to meet the attacker effectively. Some great pressure was exerted in the 10-13 channel with the wingers capitalizing with some nice turnovers. MIT were undone by one such turnover however as a breaking ball bounced nicely for the Old Gold lock who finished well in the left corner on 50 minutes, leaving the score 12-5.
The second half progressed with further delay at scrum and lineout time where the early season rustiness had taken its toll. The open field play was very exciting however with some great lines and continuity on display from both sides. MIT finished the game strongly with flanker Cody stealing a lineout ball, drawing the defence and offloading to Frank who rampaged deep into the 22. Scrumhalf Jason provided a quick feed from ruck to outhalf John G who expertly drew two defenders leaving no.8 Mick an easy score under the posts. John G converted to leave the final score 19-5.
Credit must go to A-team debutantes Brendan and Patrick and returnee Jon S, who all had excellent games in the tight five. Dave M at flanker took the MVP award for some excellent defensive work and all round strong play.