The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 24 - Providence College 10

For the second year in a row Yale opened their fall season in Providence, RI, and like last year the Bulldogs triumphed by a comfortable margin. However, the game was not a blowout from the start.

Forced to play on Sunday due to the storms of Hurricane Ivan, and short the services of several starters, Yale came out flat from the opening kickoff. Penalties, knock-ons and unclean ball in the rucks cost the Elis valuable ground in the first 20 minutes, and Providence was able to convert one try. Fortunately Yale was efficient when they did receive clean ball, and were able to capitalize on several successful wide back plays late in the first half. Winger Bobby Cardone '06 registered the first try for Yale in approx. the 30th minute, and winger Jason Park '04 burned around the outside man to score as time expired. Cardone converted both kicks to give Yale a 14-5 lead at halftime.

In the second half Yale settled into their attacking pattern of play. Shortly into the half, No. 8 Matt Devlin '05 found the ball off a broken play and set up winger Michael Freedman-Aponte '05 for Yale's third try. Providence then countered with a try of their own - albeit helped by several questionable calls by the referee - but missed the conversion. Fullback Matt Reagan '05 then sealed the deal for Yale by breaking through the Providence defense off a set crash play, bringing the score to its final 24-10.

There were some bright spots for Yale. Rookie Ryan Fennerty '08 filled in splendidly at hooker for Jordan Hanson '07 and Dan Koffler '06 - both sidelined with injuries - and demostrated the depth of Yale's forwards. Devlin at No. 8 had an outstanding all- round game, getting to the breakdowns quickly and setting up big runs on offense. And inside-center Sean Walbridge '08 has proven himself to be a valuable addition to an already dynamic Yale backline. In his post game remarks, Coach Jan Pikul was especially pleased with Yale's team defense, which we had practiced thoroughly the previous week, but cited rucking as an area in which the entire team needs to improve. Although they did not win their match, the "Killer B's" deservedly lived up to their formidable reputation. With the help of several A-side players who performed double duty, the Yale B-side played a hard-fought and clean game highlighted by several dazzling runs. After falling behind two tries, Yale took control of the game by scoring two equalizing tries. Wings Henry Cook '06 and Aaron Friedman '08 both had explosive offensive performances and offered solid defense. Second rower Scott "Beanpole" Proctor '08 was awesome in the lineouts, spoiling nearly half of Providence's throws. Former front rower turned inside-center Dong "Mushy" Jeon '05 showed off powerful running in the backline, and flyhalf David Smith '06 complemented him with his good speed, which resulted in Yale's second try. Unfortunately Yale could not convert the kick and lost by only two points, 12-10. Both the A side and the Killer B's will build on their momentum as they prepare to battle University of Rhode Island at home next Saturday.