MIT Score Early, Often in Season Opener

Teams:MIT vs Springfield RFC
Played:09/06/2013 @ MIT
Score: 58 - 0 MIT win

On a breezy day at Vassar St. which would belie the heat felt on the field, the MIT Rugby Club came out fit and fast in a season opening win over Springfield RFC scoring early, often, and everywhere. From the first kickoff MIT showed its intention for the season recovering the kick and scoring a brilliant breakaway try through sophomore winger Jake M. after just 2 quick phases of play. The quick try was followed by a phenomenal sideline conversion from flyhalf James L. Jake would go on to score another such try just 9 minutes later, but long breaks would not be the only action in the game. Quick rucks and ferocious play around the fringes from flankers Oggy and Matt rarely ever left the ball on the ground for more than a few seconds. Capitalizing on a yellow card against Springfield, the home team crossed the white wash 3 times in 5 minutes through the superb running of Niall, John LeB, and Matt A.

The game slowed somewhat as Springfield showed fantastic grit and determination to get themselves back in the game. Despite the intense nature of the first half, the game remained mostly blemish free and saw no scrums until nearly the 30th minute. The first scrum with the new cadence had some growing pains, but after some initial resets the MIT pack prevailed and produced quick clean ball through the outstanding footwork of veteran hooker Anthony S. The forwards' off-season work was beginning to tell and the Springfield line-out struggled all day against the MIT unit. After a long half of brutal running at the near channels the tight-five finally got in on the scoring action at the 32nd minute when debutante 2nd Row Galen T. smashed over the try line. Despite the best efforts of the visitors the score remained all MIT at the half.

After a rousing speech from Head Coach Sean C. during the break the home team set out with vigor at the beginning of the second half and it was largely the same. Taking the kick-off the forwards built up consistent phase play before finally putting Jake M away for the hat trick. The scoring rate slowed somewhat, but flanker Oggy would get his reward for a brilliant game at the 60th minute when he finally crossed the line. Mike B. would score in his return to the field, showing great strength to punch it through the Springfield defense. Niall would tally a second try before the proceedings ended with a final score of 58 - 0.

Afterward the 1st XV was called on to run out against a fresh 2nd XV which featured an MVP performance from rookie Brandon P.

Tries: Jake M. (3), Niall O'C (2), John LeB (1), Matthew A. (1) Galen T. (1) Ognjen I. (1) Mike B. (1)
Conversions: James L (4)
MVP: Jake M