The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 36 - SCSU 3

This past Saturday, Yale again took to the field against SCSU, fielding their Argentinean touring side in their last preparation match before tour. Enduring frigid temperatures in the mid-20’s and a frozen field, Yale was to come away with a resounding 36 – 3 victory.

Yale began the game fighting a brisk breeze which made kicking a significant challenge. Despite the cold and continued rust, Yale managed to sustain periods of dominance, setting up deep with SCSU territory. Forgoing any opportunities to kick for points, Yale used every penalty awarded to work on both scrummaging and their lineout. The first score was to come off one such scrum when inside center Drew Palin ’06 received a pass from flyhalf Rob Smith ’06, sending him through a hole in the defense and scoring his third try of the preseason. The missed conversion meant Yale entered the half up 5 – 0.

Following a stern talking to at halftime by Coach John Broker, Yale came out playing a far more determined and disciplined game in the second half. This time aided by the strong wind, Yale was again able to spend the majority of the period in SCSU territory. As the game wore on, Yale’s ball-handling and rucking improved, allowing more possession and fluidity.

Yale’s first try of the second half came from excellent rucking and aggressive running by Yale’s loose forwards. Second row Sherman Wang ’07 would eventually pounce on a loose ball to carry it over for a score in the corner. Following the missed conversion, Yale would again go on the offensive. Following the collection of his own kick, flyhalf Rob Smith ’06 would find winger Henry Cook ’06 on the offload to give Cook the score under the posts. Three more tries by scrumhalf Aaron Friedman ’08, flanker Andy Beck ‘09 and number eight Sean Walbridge ’08 would round out Yale’s scoring.

Unfortunately Yale was to concede a late penalty to ruin the shutout, but Yale came away with greater confidence and cohesion than had been the case in their previous outing. Going into tour, Yale’s young club looks primed for competition and the opportunity to learn. Next week’s tour will be an excellent opportunity to foster the young talent of the club and build toward the Ivy Championship this spring.

Starting XV: 1. Ben Swiss, 2. Drew Msrticorena, 3. Pietro Deserio, 4. Sherman Wang, 5. Cameron Maloney, 6. Taylor Giffen, 7. Andy Beck, 8. Sean Walbridge, 9. Aaron Friedman, 10. Robert Smith (C), 11. Nick O’Neill, 12. Drew Palin, 13. Garret Spitzer, 14. David Wheelock, 15. Sam White