October 26th, 2009 Posted in Men's Rugby |
BrownRugby.com
Brown, playing for a spot in the Northeast Division I Rugby playoffs, lost a heartbreaking 25-24 decision to Harvard after recovering from a 12-0 first half deficit. Dire wind and rain predictions did not occur, but the field was wet and muddy. In spite of the field conditions, the match was well played by both sides.
As with the last Brown Harvard match, Brown took the brunt of match penalties which stymied its game plan for most of the first half. Harvard took advantage of the Brown miscues to kick for great field position and then pound the ball with driving mauls and off ruck platforms. In spite of 35 minutes played mostly in the Brown half, the Brown defense was up to the task, conceding one converted and one unconverted try for a 12-0 lead.
With only minutes left in the half at a lineout at its 30 meter line, Harvard over threw the jumper and Brown flanker Hao Li’10 took the ball and drove for 10 meters, the Brown forwards secured two successive rucks and then moved the ball to to fullback Sam Rabb’10 who kicked a grubber through the flat Harvard backline. Right wing Ben Baker’10 out sprinted the Harvard support to give Brown a much needed five points in the corner. Rabb who converted all of Brown’s tries, kicked the conversion from a wide angle to end the half 12-7.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were a repeat of the first half, with Brown fighting to keep Harvard out of their end. At 55 minutes of the match a Harvard penalty kick increased the Crimson lead to 15-7. But three minutes later, a Harvard knock-on at their 20 meter line gave Brown a scrum. Harvard stopped Brown’s backs but a ruck run by prop Andrew Alvarvez’11 set up the next one by number eight Chaney Harrison’11 who showed unusual speed as he took the ball 10 meters for a try, converted by Rabb, and Brown was down 15-14.
At this point in the match the Brown forward pack was neutralizing Harvard’s lineouts and dominating the scrums. However, at a Brown scrum in their own half, the Harvard scrum half, was allowed to play the ball, which set up another Harvard try at 65 minutes and a 20-14 Harvard advantage.
Brown via tactical kicking and strong tackling were awarded a scrum at the Harvard 22 meter line. The ball went to flyhalf Zahid Jethani’13 who threaded a pass between two Harvard defenders into the hands of center James McGinn’12 who ran 10 meters for a try. Rabb’s kick was good and Brown lead 21-20 with but 10 minutes to play.
A penalty at 78 minutes gave Rabb the chance to increase the Brown lead. He was on and Brown was on top 24-20. However, within the next two minutes Brown’s bubble burst. Harvard was able to move the ball deep in Brown territory where they won a lineout and pounded the ball over the line to score at full time for the victory.
There was a good crowd of alumni, parents and friends of Brown Rugby in attendance, and the consensus of the many was that Brown outplayed Harvard on the day, but to Harvard’s credit, they rose to the occasion in those final minutes.
Brown’s fall 2009 season is thus concluded with an Ivy League record of 5 wins and 3 defeats and in sole possession of third place. Brown’s overall fall record is 6 wins and 4 defeats.
Thanks to all of our officers for their leadership and effort: Co-captains Hao Li’10 and Andrew Alvarez’11, President Sam Rabb’10, Treasurer John Hermansen’11, Match Secretary Alex Hansen’10, Tour Chairs Ben Baker’10 and Brad Arlington’10, Social Chair Jay Smith’10, Field and Equipment Chair Mike Donnell’12, website work by Dan Levine-Spound’12, and Recruiting Chair Rall Walsh’10
In addition to those seniors (2010) above, thanks must also be extended to the rest of the seniors who have been so instrumental in turning the Brown Rugby Club from a bottom Division I team in their freshman year, to a playoff Division II team their junior year and coming within a few minutes of putting Brown into the Division I playoffs: Bob Forrester, Ben Mossbarger, Gabe Heiderich, Dave Riley, Adam Leonard’10, Dan Rabb’10, and Troy Shapiro’10.
With Dave Laflamme taking the reins as head coach, he has put Brown back on the regional rugby map and set a standard of play and player commitment that Brown can hopefully maintain. He was ably assisted by coaches Rich Ashfield, Danny Saccoccio and Matthew Medina.
Brown has also been blessed for the last several years with the skill of our head athletic trainer Kelly Teixeira and her associate at the Foundry Sports Medicine Clinic, Amanda Moran. With two weekends of Saturday and Sunday matches, their field and clinic support has been invaluable.
The match referee was Don Jennings.
Second XV
Brown’s seconds could not get untracked in the muddy field conditions, allowing a Harvard first half unconverted try and a second half converted try to lose 12-0.
As has been the practice, Brown substituted liberally to give everyone some rugby in this last match of the season. With many on this squad who have just taken up the game this season, the coaches are pleased with the progress and commitment of this group, and thanks to the veterans who have filled in during the season to lend stability to the squad.
