The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 10 - Princeton 7

This past Saturday Yale hosted Princeton in their final game of the season and the final match for the class of 2005. In what was to prove indicative of the entire spring season, weather interfered with play and overshadowed what should otherwise have been a testament to the dedication of the senior class.

With heavy rain forecast for the day Yale knew the conditions would be treacherous. The game began amidst a downpour that had begun to flood certain parts of the field. Driving rain would make for poor traction and miserable handling conditions, but did not discourage the men of Yale.

Yale began the match going into the wind. Starting a little flat after a very short pre-game routine Yale was immediately on the defensive. Yale’s defense, as it had the entire season, would prove determined and rock solid. Weathering the storm and Princeton’s attack, Yale would soon find itself on the offensive. When Yale had possession they showed their explosive offense, sending senior fullback Matt Reagan ’05 over for his final try for Yale halfway through the first half. The subsequent conversion by flyhalf Rob Smith ’06 brought the score to 7-0 in favor of Yale.

Yale would again go on the defensive and would again hold strong. After breaking several runs into Princeton’s half Yale was finally awarded a convertible penalty which Smith converted to give Yale a 10-0 lead. Plagued by handling errors Yale failed to convert several other opportunities and would again find itself on defense. Unable to find consistent touch to clear their lines, Yale fell into the same rut experienced against Northeastern the previous week. Unable to play defense for 20 minutes without any offensive possession Yale would give up a try to Princeton on the stroke of halftime.

Yale entered into the second half with confidence. After only 5 minutes the rain would increase in intensity and bring a disappointing end to both the game and the season. Being forced to call the game by facilities staff, the game ended 10-7 in favor of Yale. The end of the game would prove a disappointing end to the season and the careers of all the seniors. Agreeing at halftime that the Koranda Cup would only be awarded if the game went 20 minutes into the second half Princeton walked away still in possession of the cup. For team members who had contributed so much to the club over the past 4 years the cancelled game proved an unsatisfactory end.

Special mention should go to all the alumni that made it out in the poor conditions to see the seniors off. Their continued support allows the club to grow and build as we look to progress in Division I next year.

Class of 2005: Michael Atkins (captain), Matt Reagan (President), Will Harper, Matthew Devlin, Frank Busch, Don Jeon, Robert Pazornik, Jason Park, Michael Freedman-Aponte