MCRC thrashes UNH ’cats

On Saturday the Middlebury College men’s rugby team dominated the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, scoring 12 tries and finishing the game with an impressive score of 77-0. This brings their record to 2-0 in the regular season.

Although the Panthers began the game looking a little flustered they quickly settled in and began to dictate the pace of the game.

“We started off slow and had a bit of trouble adjusting to the turf field,” said co-captain Brian Sirkia ’12.5. “After changing our tactics a bit, we were successful in maintaining possession and getting the ball over the goal line. We never took our foot off the gas and managed to put some great plays together.”

Once the MCRC took control they never relinquished. With the forwards obliterating the UNH pack on every play the backs were really able to play their game.

“Everyone came out with intensity, but more importantly everyone played smoothly and intelligently. On defense, they rarely broke through our solid line,” said Sam Harrison ’11. “We worked really well as a unit, and just played good fluid rugby.”

Zach Bills ’11, who was abroad last semester, returned to the pitch and played some remarkable rugby during the game.

“It was great to see Zach really hit his stride after returning from abroad last semester. He had a stormer of a game and the team loves having him back,” said Sam Harrison ’11.

Tries were scored by Tom Campanella ’12, Ross Berriman ’12, Zach Bills ’11 and Danny Powers ’12.5 while Chris Vandergrift ’11, Allan Stafford ’13.5, Geoff Kalan ’12.5 and Chris Marshall ’11 all added two apiece. Brian Sirkia ’12.5 also took care of his part of the game converting seven tries and going one for two on penalties.

“With most of the glory and try scorers in the back line yesterday’s victory really falls in the hands of the forwards,” said Harrison. “They won every scrum, had good line-outs, and did what they needed to do to get the ball out to us cleanly on the back line to punch it in.”

As the Panthers look ahead to Coast Guard, the Division II national champions in 2006 and a so far undefeated team, they continue to focus and work harder in practice so that they are more prepared than every opponent they face.

“We have lots of hard work ahead. Coast Guard is our next opponent and they are undefeated as well,” said Geoff Kalan ’12.5. “This should be a tough game on the road, but we have high expectations, continue to improve daily and take our season one week at a time.”