The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 19 - Norwich University 18

This past weekend Yale hosted Norwich University in their final home game of the regular season. Entering the game keenly aware of the playoff implications Yale was not to disappoint, coming away with a 19-18 victory.

After a week of solid rain the field was in surprisingly good condition, and as the rain began to let up before kickoff Yale was given confidence to stick to their game plan. From the outset Yale took control, effectively dominating the set pieces and taking advantage of the wholes in the opposing backline. Yale was to get the first points of the game through winger Henry Cook ’06 who pounced on a well place chip kick from flyhalf Rob Smith ’06 for the try. With the ensuing Bobby Cardone ‘06 conversion Yale took an early 7 – 0 lead.

Norwich would respond through a penalty a few minutes later but failed to build any sustained offense in the first half. Yale would continue to dominate up front and after more sustained pressure flyhalf Rob Smith ’06 was able to capitalize on a quick tap by scrumhalf Matt Finkelstein ’07 to get in for a try, giving Yale a 14 – 3 lead.

Yale would continue to increase the pressure and let several sure tries slip through their fingers. Despite the improved conditions the ball remained wet and elusive and several final passes went to ground at critical moments. Unable to capitalize on these opportunities Yale let Norwich creep back into the game conceding a try. The missed conversion meant Yale retained a 14 – 8 lead.

Just before halftime Yale was able to capitalize on yet another opportunity when center Evan Edwards ’09 put fullback Sam Beutler ’07 through a whole for Yale’s third try. That would prove the last score of the half with Yale on top 19 – 8.

After sustaining a couple injuries in the first half Yale would come out with a little less dominance in the second half. Yale began to lose their dominance in the sets and began were starved of possession. When possession was to be had Yale looked dangerous, but a few inopportune penalties prevented any further points.

With the increased possession Norwich were to add a couple unconverted scores of their own, the second coming on the stroke of full time. Without the conversion Yale was able to scrape by with a win despite a less than special second half.

Yale’s b-side, shorthanded due to several injuries, again played with a lot of heart. Despite giving up a couple scores in the first half Yale maintained their composure and discipline in the second, controlling possession and putting their game plan to good effect. Unfortunately they were unable to overcome the scores put up by Norwich in the first half, but their perseverance was commendable. With each week their developing composure and tenacity has been inspirational and we look forward to their future development into first XV material.

With the a-side defeat of Norwich Yale finished third in their Division I conference behind Amherst and Harvard. Consequently Yale has drawn the number two seed Dartmouth from the other conference and will be traveling to Hanover, New Hampshire, for their first playoff match this coming weekend. As always we encourage all alums in the area to come out in support. The club is always appreciative.