The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 17 - Brown 7

In the midst of driving rain, Yale hosted Brown University over parents’ weekend in their second home game of the season. Partly handicapped by the weather, Yale managed to put together a solid performance and win their second game of the season, bringing their NERFU record to 2 - 2.

After watching the women's team struggle through sloppy conditions, Yale knew they had their work cut out for them. Despite the weather Yale stuck to their game plan and managed to execute as planned. The game opened with a few early weather induced mistakes and Yale found themselves deep within their own territory. After working on a new defensive pattern all week, Yale managed to soak up the Brown attack before countering themselves.

Unfortunately Yale was to lose prop Sherman Wang '07 early in the game to a rib injury. In his stead Yale put Pietro Deserio '07, who proved extremely capable and Yale’s forwards did not lose a step. Yale's dominance in the scrum never let up, and Brown was repeatedly on the back foot from the breakdown. Yale's advantage in the forwards was soon to payoff through second row Chris Hathaway '07, whose try gave Yale the first points of the game and the only score of the first half.

After coming out the break up by 5, Yale again went on the offensive. Yale's consistent pressure and dominance up front was to allow another score 10 minutes in to the second half as flanker Sean Walbridge '08 was sent through a hole by center Jack Mahoney '07. The ensuing conversion meant Yale took a 12 point lead.

As the half wore on the play became sloppier and mistakes were abundant. After being reduced to 14 men, Yale gave up a try soft try to Brown bringing the score to 12 - 7. Yale was to come charging back after the Brown score, and began pouncing on Brown's mishaps. Yale fullback Sam Beutler '07 would jump on a lose ball deep with the Yale 22 and ran it all the way for the final score of the game. Yale would come out on top by a margin on 17 - 5.

Despite the poor conditions, Yale maintained composure and executed accordingly. For the fourth straight week the forwards showed improvement and dominance. After tweaking with the backline during the week Yale finally put together a better performance as a unit and will look to build on that success next week when they host Norwich University in their regular season finale.

The Yale B-side did not fair as well as their A-side counterparts. Despite playing hard and again showing promise, Yale was to be handicapped by inexperience in the deteriorating conditions. Yale did manage to put together periods of exceptional play and dominated phases of the game. Unfortunately their finishing was lacking and Yale was unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Despite the loss, several players again stood out and showed the bright future YRFC has ahead.

Special thanks must go to all the parents and alumni who were in attendance. As always your support is appreciated and we hope to see you next weekend when Yale takes on Norwich at 1PM on their home pitch.