MIT RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

On Saturday, October 26, 2019, MIT traveled to Pawtucket, RI for the Division III playoff consolation game vs. Providence RFC. MIT once again traveled light, with just 16 players, 1 coach, 7 fans, 2 naughty urinating dogs, and 1 wet purse. In their 6th and final game, MIT had their 6th different starting lineup. While the team could have benefited from more lineup consistency, it was a good opportunity for some of the new guys to earn some playing time.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, MIT hosted Boston Maccabi RFC in the first round of the playoffs. Boston Maccabi earned the top playoff spot after an undefeated regular season while MIT squeaked into the bottom spot after an up and down season. In the week leading up to the game, Boston Maccabi had over 30 players out to training, where 2 of the New England Freejack players assisted with coaching. On the other side, MIT were forced to cancel one of their practices due to low numbers; a problem that plagued the team throughout the season. Boston Maccabi scored early and often.

On Saturday, October 5, 2019, MIT faced off against Amoskeag RFC at Briggs Field. MIT were coming off an embarrassing week where they forfeited to New London due to a lack of players and then were kicked off their practice field by the Lacrosse team due to a scheduling error. Meanwhile Amoskeag came in undefeated, having dropped down from Division II this fall. Amoskeag had already clinched home field advantage in the playoffs while MIT were still searching for a playoff spot.

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.

On September 14, 2019, MIT traveled to Moakley Field in Boston, MA to take on Old Gold RFC. The 2 teams have had many close battles over the years and MIT knew that this week would be no different. The weather forecast called for clouds but no rain, so of course it began raining as soon as kickoff rolled around.

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, MIT began the fall season by hosting Charles River RFC at Briggs Field. MIT scrimmaged against Boston RFC and the Boston Maccabi’s in the lead up to their fall opener. MIT could have used a few more scrimmages, as their poor tackling effort frequently let them down on the day.