The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 8 - Northeastern 35

On Saturday the 22 September, the Yale Rugby Football Club played Northeastern University in the first home match of the season.

The first half saw Yale dominate the majority of possession and territory, with good turnovers and strong first phase ball. However, despite this advantage, Yale missed a number of scoring opportunities and only managed to put 3 points on the board thanks to a penalty conversion from inside-center Thomas Kidd '08. Northeastern on the other hand took full advantage of their possession—with good interplay between the forwards—and scored the only tries of the first half.

After being down at half-time, Yale came back with a strong second half surge, but once again was unable to cross the try-line. A series of penalties against Yale—including a yellow card being given to open-side flanker Andy Beck '09—turned the momentum in favor of Northeastern. Northeastern used their 15-on-14 advantage to break Yale’s defensive line, scoring two quick tries.

Late in the second half, Yale Rugby captain Sean Walbridge '08 found a gap near the breakdown and ran in a 40m solo try.