September 15, 2012 Middlebury vs. St. Mike’s

Final Score 14 – 23, Loss

We had a great first game of the season today against St. Mike’s! The weather was a little questionable at first, but it ended up being a beautiful day for rugby, as always. In order to get in as much practice and as many new players as possible, we played three 30 minute thirds instead of the usual 40 minute halves. We were especially thankful for the return of our 2011-2012 captain, Melissa Hayes (’12) to help us out in the game.

Due to a few unfortunate injuries of some of our all-star players, we had a lot of people at new positions this game. That, along with it being our first game of the season, had us going into the first third with a little hesitation, allowing the St. Mike’s backs to score two quick tries around the outside. We pulled it together and held them off for a while, but they were still able to get in one more try in before the end of the first third.

We went out back out confident and ready to bounce back from the initial setbacks of the first third. Although we were doing a great job of making our hits and supporting runners, there was a St. Mike’s break away that allowed them to score the try that would prove to be their last. A few minutes later a beautiful interception and powerful run from inside center Emily Dub (’14) allowed us to score our first try of the season! Captain and scrum half Jess Berry (’13) followed it up with a lovely conversion kick. The second third really marked a turning point in the game—not only in terms of the score, but also in the way we played. We were on St. Mike’s half of the field almost the whole time, and did a great job being decisive, tackling hard, and maintaining possession.

For the last thirty minutes of the game, we welcomed over 4 St. Mike’s players to help us out as prop, wings, and fullback. While we continued to dominate play, we unfortunately conceded a penalty kick to St. Mike’s towards the beginning of the last third. We continued to maintain possession for the majority of the game and were able to get the ball down the field due to a great breakaway from Melissa Hayes, who drove the ball almost into the try zone, where first time flanker Sarah “Mini” Minahan (’14) was able to pick it up and place it just across the line. Jess Berry made another beautiful conversion kick, making the final score 14 – 23.

The game ended on a high note, and we left the field with our heads held high. We were grateful for the opportunity to have this scrimmage against St. Mike’s to help us prepare for games to come. We’re all excited for the upcoming season and look forward to our game next week against Colby!

Thanks so much to our fans and to Katy Svec (’15)’s parents for bringing orange slices and brownies! Also a special shout out to Fabi Benedini Galli Zambardino (’15) and Brita Fisher (’15) for playing in their first rugby game ever!

1st Third
St. Mike’s – 5
St. Mike’s – 5
St. Mike’s – 5

2nd Third
St. Mike’s – 5
Emily Duh – 5
Jess Berry – 2

3rd Third
St. Mike’s – 3
Sarah Minahan – 5
Jess Berry – 2  

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