Middlebury College Rugby Club

Middlebury ends their first regular season in DIAA with a close loss to BC making it 3 and 3 for the year. The game is one of two halves: the first is BC’s, the second is Middlebury’s but the boys in blue leave themselves too much to do in the final part of the game to cut down the original 15 point deficit.

Middlebury has a fair amount of possession in the first half but they struggle to break the disciplined BC defense. Conversely, BC takes their chances. The MCRC makes a change early in the first half to move captain Brian Sirkia ’12.5 to flyhalf and from then on Middlebury is camped in the BC 22 picking up two tries. The first comes through sophomore John “Scooter” Hawley ’14 and the second from Sirkia. It’s a nail-biting end to the game as Middlebury continues to threaten in what would be a phenomenal comeback. Alas, today is not their day. Outstanding performance by Middlebury’s seniors in their final games particularly hooker Daniel Jerome Finley Powers ’11.5 and winger Zach Withers ’11.5.

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With a jubilant crowd of alumni in support Middlebury improves to 3 and 2 with an emphatic win over the University of Connecticut rugby team. The boys in blue look sharp and refreshed after their bye week though they are still missing key players from the team who some were expecting to see back in the line-up. Their less experienced players take huge steps forward and fans of The MCRC will be well pleased with the performance of this young team.

Out to prove that they are as dangerous with the ball in hand as they are rugby tacticians with the boot goal-kicker Brian “Try-Guy” Sirkia ’12.5 reminds everyone of why he picked up the cognomen upon his arrival with a pair of tries and touch-finder Adam “Scrumcap” Schreiber ’14 also picks up the brace. The outside center sophomore is really coming into his own as his decision making on when to move the ball and when to move his feet is ever improving. That said, it is not just the points scorers who deserve mention. Two players in their first years of regular 1st team rugby really standout on this occasion: lock Nick Derrico ’12 and inside center Jebb “The Febb” Norton ’13.5.

The Middlebury 2nd team completes a fantastic day of MCRC rugby with a win over UConn’s 2nd team. Fullback Landers Carnal ’12 and prop Steve Etna ’15 standout.

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Three players pick up their first competitive caps as Middlebury improves to 2 and 2 with a 7 point victory over the University of Albany. Despite only scoring 2 tries versus Albany’s 4 tries, Middlebury picks up their first road win in Division I. This hotly contested battle goes down to the wire with Albany leading at half time and Middlebury rallying to take over control in the second.

Captain Brian Sirkia ’12.5 scores one of the Middlebury tries, hits 5 penalty kicks and 2 conversions – his boot is the real difference on the scoreboard. Amongst the forwards flanker Devin Risinger ’14 has a stormer creating turnover after turnover at the breakdown. Substitute flanker Sam “Fireman” Murray ’13 scores what ends up being the winning try, capping off the play of the game.

Full match report below:

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The Northeastern Maddogs has the better of the boys in blue as they put up 34 points on their home ground. Middlebury is only able to put 3 points on the board through a Brian Sirkia ’12.5 penalty early in the first half. Northeastern is a very athletic and well coached side that runs the ball well. If not for some amazing work by Middlebury’s back 3 on defense the score would have gotten completely out of hand. Few teams keep the ball moving through the hands as well as Northeastern. They use switches, dummy switches and skips to initially beat the gain line then the real damage is done: as the cover defense scrambles they keep supporting the ball carrier who works to stay on his feet and make small pops inside and outside to keep the play going.

Lots to be learned from playing a team of this caliber and Middlebury will be better for it if they respond correctly. Middlebury will also be bouyed by the performance of their 2nd XV who beat Northeastern 8 – 7. Man-of-the-match Sanders Mora ’15 scores Middlebury’s only try in the first half – the freshman has an absolute stormer entertaining all with his turn of speed and tackle breaking runs. The second half sees Northeastern respond with a converted try that puts them ahead by two points. Late in the game Ethan Vorel ’14.5 converts a penalty kick in front of posts to secure the victory. Great promise for the future!

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