The Rugby Tackle

Author: [no author name found]

MEN

This weekend the Middlebury men ruggers took one more step towards the Northwest Territorial Championships. While trying to rest some of their softer A-side players, the team faced Genesseo State at home on Saturday and snuck away with the win. Poor tackling and a weak attitude combined in the forfeit of 22 points to Genesseo, more than the Panthers have given up in any of the games this year. Middlebury hopes to take this as a lesson as they compete in the Northeastern Championships this weekend to face Babson and the Coast Guard Academy. These teams will both be looking to avenge losses to Middlebury in the New England Championships. With two wins this weekend, the Panthers could make their second consecutive appearance in Nationals. At last spring's national tournament, Middlebury placed fifth among many larger universities. This spring, they hope to have similar success and remain undefeated.

WOMEN

At the New England Championships at Western Connecticut State University, the women's team took on a fierce University of New Hampshire (UNH) squad. The UNH offense came in powerful and relentless waves, and ultimately proved too much for Middlebury. The Panthers gave up one try in each half and walked away with a 10-0 loss. The next day, however, despite soreness and tired legs, the ruggers turned their play around to dominate the host school in the consolation game. Johanna Riesel '05 pulled away from numerous defenders and ran close to 20 yards for a try in the first half. Trilby Reeve '05 sealed the win with another long run in the second half of play. The third-place finish probably marks the end of the season for the women ruggers, although there is a chance they will compete in the upcoming Northeastern Territorial Championships. The women hope to carry their success into the spring season.