By
Tony Brown
Head Coach
LONG ISLAND, NY (April 26, 2008) -- The Brewers left Poughkeepsie at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the Suffolk County Community College off Wicks Road on Long Island at 8:00 a.m. The predicted rain did not arrive and in fact the weather was mild if a little chilly. The venue was not of the highest quality as all 4 fields were uneven and the posts makeshift. But there was some good rugby played and the organizers did all they could to make it a worthwhile event. In the end Vassar fell short of the final, but as Meatloaf sang, "Two out of three ain't bad."
Vassar College Men 35 v Hofstra University Men 0
Tries: Will Thanhauser (1), James Cantres (1), Kevin Frodell (1), Garrett King (1) & Jake London (1).
Cons: Jake London (5).
In the opening game of the tournament, against divisional opponents Hofstra University, the Vassar men scored 7 tries and monopolized the ball against the big, hard hitting but tactically naïve Long Island school. Playing with a strong wind at their back Vassar maintained good field position and recycled the ball well to keep Hofstra on the back foot.
Garrett Montgomery at scrumhalf grows in confidence with each game and he did an admirable job at the set and in the loose. His pass still needs a lot of work, particularly off the left hand but what he lacks in skill he more than makes up for with determination.
Jake London not only ran strongly in the centers but he had a banner day with his kicking. The Vassar soccer goalkeeper slotted 5 from 5 and also was as proficient out of hand.
Hofstra players were constantly offside at the rucks and Conor Boylan was under pressure but he offloaded when forced to run and had a solid performance.
A few years ago Hofstra won the Met NY Division III title and was anxious to move up. Since their promotion they have floundered and don't look like being any better in the near future. It is a pity because they certainly have the athletes to compete at this level.
Vassar scored first through Will Thanhauser who was all over the field and a trademark James Cantres try made it 14-0. Back-up hooker Kevin Frodell scored before the half and it seemed that Hofstra would not get a look in during the first half.
When the teams turned around one expected Hofstra to use the strong wind at their backs and mount a comeback but they spurned this advantage to their detriment. They did make some huge tackles but could not get any ball to be a serious threat.
Team: 15 Stefan Schwartz 14 Nick Schmidt 13 Jake London 12 James Cantres 11 Connor O'Neill 10 Conor Boylan 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Winston Clement 2 Kevin Frodell 3 Eric Schub 4 Nick Mason 5 Rupert Johnson 6 Davis Wang 7 Will Thanhauser 8 Garrett King.
Vassar College Men 26 v Norwich University Men 0
Tries: Matt Wise (1), Conor Boylan (1), James Cantres (1), Connor O'Neill (1).
Cons: Jake London (3).
Norwich University from Vermont has traditionally been a strong New England Division I program and men's rugby is a varsity sport. Most students are members of the Corps and are in good physical shape but it was to little avail in these shortened tournament games.
Vassar fielded their most experienced fifteen while Norwich on the other-hand was loaded with sophomores and freshmen. The Vermont school struggled in the scrums and while they defended well individually they were caught short for numbers when Vassar recycled the ball quickly.
Vassar number 8 Garrett King had a field day exploiting the narrow side and although he did not score he galloped acres to put Vassar in scoring positions.
All in all it was a good performance and the attitude of the team was typified when the Norwich center intercepted a Boylan pass on halfway. He had a clear run to the line but was hauled down by flanker Will Thanhauser and then Stefan Schwartz poached the ball as he assisted with the tackle. Vassar had maintained a clean sheet and advanced to the semifinal of the tournament.
Team: 15 Stefan Schwartz 14 Omar Fayyaz 13 Jake London 12 James Cantres 11 Connor O'Neill 10 Conor Boylan 9 Chris Magnani1 Winston Clement 2 Jeff Rubesin 3 Dan Kalmus 4 Nick Mason 5 Iain Gordon 6 Matt Wise 7 Luke Parker 8 Garrett King. Subs: Garrett Montgomery for Chris Magnani.
Vassar College Men 7 v East Stroudsburg University Men 12
Tries: Penalty Try (1).
Cons: Jake London (1).
Vassar bowed out of the Big Apple Tournament in uncharacteristic fashion. Silly penalties, ill discipline, and a few missed tackles were to prove their downfall. The Brewers never got in to any kind of rhythm, which was a pity because they had put together some good rugby in the first two matches. Perhaps credit is due to the ESU defense and powerful running. The Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union member had a large pack and two big centers. The narrow field suited their tight direct game and Vassar found it hard to get out of their own half in the early stages.
Stroudsburg scored first when Garrett King missed a tackle on the blindside but Vassar bounced back and a poor clearance kick was chased down by Jake London. He was about to dive on the ball when a defender shoved him and a penalty try was awarded. So Vassar led 7-5 t the half.
ESU played well in the second half and when Vassar fell behind 12-7 they kept shooting themselves in the foot. Hooker Jeff Rubesin complained when the referee called him for foot up twice in the scrum. It cost the team dearly as they were marched back an additional 10 yards each time. Kevin Frodell replaced him but the damage was done as good field position was surrendered.
It was a flat end to the season for a squad that has done well. Their overall record is 13-4-0 but one was left with the feeling that there were more wins in this group.
Team: 15 Stefan Schwartz 14 Omar Fayyaz 13 Jake London 12 James Cantres 11 Connor O'Neill 10 Conor Boylan 9 Chris Magnani1 Winston Clement 2 Jeff Rubesin 3 Dan Kalmus 4 Nick Mason 5 Iain Gordon 6 Matt Wise 7 Luke Parker 8 Garrett King. Subs: Garrett Montgomery for Chris Magnani, Kevin Frodell for Jeff Rubesin.
Overall record 2007-08: 13-4-0.
Next: Saturday May 3, 2008 versus a Vassar Alumni XV at the Farm Kick-off 12:00 noon.
