September 29, 2012 Middlebury vs. Amherst

Final Score 36 – 0, Win

We were all excited for the first home game of the season! Due to rain in the past few days, our field was very soggy and the ability to use it was uncertain. Luckily KO was able to work her magic and we secured the rugby pitch for the original game time of 1:00.

Our team goal for this game was to come out hard and play all 80 minutes giving 100%. We’re proud to say we met this goal right from the get-go. We came out with intensity, especially on the rucks, with great hits and dedication from 8-man Sarah Pfander (’13). This consistent attack led to our first try of the game in minute 2, from outside center Emily Duh (’14) who wove through multiple Amherst players to put the ball right under the uprights. Scrum half Jess Berry (’13) made the kick.

We continued to play the game on Amherst’s half of the field. Consistent defensive rucking, tackling, and coming up in a defensive line allowed inside center Laura Hofmann (’15) to gain possession and fight through three or four tackles to score her FIRST TRY EVER! Jess Berry converted the kick for another two points!

Another great quick ball out from the back line allowed fullback Julianna Gardner (’13) to gallop like a gazelle down the sideline and score the third try of the match in the far right corner of the try zone.

A great breakaway from the Amherst wing took the ball down the field closer to our try zone, where we played for the remaining few minutes of the half. Our intensity on defense, some lucky knock-ons and penalties, and a great hold up by lock Ali Hentges (’15) prevented them from securing the try.

We went out into the second half motivated to keep playing with heart and determination. Amherst came out with intensity as well, and it took 10 minutes or so to score our next try. A series of quick passes out and well fought scrums allowed the ball to get out to flanker Marissa Shaw (’14) who powered through a pile of Amherst players to place the ball just across the try line.

Another series of controlled ball handling from backs and forwards opened up the space for another great run from Emily Duh, leading to our 5th try.

The Amherst pack managed to muscle their way forward, making considerable ground in our defensive half, but luckily we were able to regain possession off a counter ruck. Marissa Shaw called a punch and proceeded to pass the ball out to fellow flanker Sarah Minahan (‘14), who ran her way through the Amherst defense to gain 50 yards before being taken down.

With 15 seconds remaining, we set up for a defensive scrum, which was to be the last play of the game. A beautiful poach off the scrum from Jess Berry allowed us to gain possession. As we scrambled to make something out of the remaining seconds, a quick ball out off the ruck landed in the sure and experienced hands of Emily Duh, who proceeded to out run their entire back line and place the ball under the uprights for her 3rd try of the game. Can you say hat trick?? Jess Berry then converted her third kick of the game.

In order to allow Amherst’s second squad to get some practice, we played a 20 minutes B side game (although not having our own B side, we all just got to play 100 minutes of rugby! Wooo!). It was a learning experience for Amherst, and a great opportunity for prop Katy Svec (’15), Julianna Gardner, and Sarah Pfander to score tries!

A huge thank you to our fans who came out despite the weather, and to Svec’s parents for the oranges and brownies! Tune in next week for our home game versus Tufts.

First half
Emily Duh – 5
Jess Berry – 2
Laura Hoffman – 5
Jess Berry – 2
Julianna Gardner – 5
 
Second half
Marissa Shaw – 5
Emily Duh – 5
Emily Duh – 5
Jess Berry – 2

2 Replies to “September 29, 2012 Middlebury vs. Amherst”

  1. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time guys! Great writing and awesome job! I knew you could do it!

    Bring the pain next time loves!
    good luck!!!!!!

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