Rugby rocks Boston

Author: Eri Nosaka

A spectacle that every student at Middlebury must witness is the pre-game ritual of the Middlebury Men's Rugby Team. The Haka, a war dance that originated in the Pacific Islands, has aided the team in focusing their energy and intensity on the game. This ritual, which scares every opponent and probably a majority of the spectators on most occasions, was one of the contributing factors in the swift and clean victory that Middlebury experienced this weekend at Boston University. After a long bus ride to Massachusetts, the A team dominated Boston University with a score of 46-7. Similarly, the B team (better known as the "Busy Bees") won with a score of 34-12.

With only a few weeks of practice under their belt, the team managed to already show a lot of strength in certain aspects of the game.

"In this game it was obvious that we were far more ready and skilled than the other team. We came out and scored within the first minute of the game, which is a great way to open up the season. For most of the game we were in their end and we had some beautiful runs by Pascal Losambe '07 and Craig Wilson '07.

We also had some amazing scrumming due to our hooker, Colby Hewitt '06, which ended up spoiling the opponent's chance of winning the ball," said Calvin Garner '06 when asked about how the team played on Saturday.

Although no weaknesses have become readily apparent, the men are still willing to put in the effort in order to perfect their game. With a group of players who have not played on the team since November, the Panthers are continuing to search for their rhythm this season.

When asked about what aspects of their game could be improved, Alex Conyers '08 said, "Despite playing well through most of the game, there were moments during the game in which we lost our focus. As a result this week we will be working on our fitness and maintaining intensity for the whole game during practices this week."

This weekend the men's team will face Williams in its first home game. Although Williams has yet to pose a real threat to the Middlebury rugby team, it should be a great chance for the team to showcase its ferocity and skill.

"The game against Williams should be a good fight. Last year we were successful, so this year we should come out victorious," said Des Jennings '08.

If this past weekend's performance is any indication, the men's rugby team should certainly produce a successful record this season.

On the women's end, the team has yet to have their first game, but will face Castleton on Saturday at home. Despite a frustrating shortage of players, the women look forward to an action-packed season.