POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 1, 2009) -- The Vassar Men's Rugby fall season came to a close at the Farm as the Brewers went down 22-17 to Fairfield University. It was a close game as the scoreline suggests and but for some careless errors Vassar might well have finished the fall with a win. Captain for the day and playing in his last game for the college was Kevin Frodell. The Vassar hooker took at least 6 strikes against the head, scored a try, and rumbled around the field to good effect. His last game was a good one and he has done Vassar proud these past 4 years.

Vassar College Men 17 v Fairfield University Men 22
Tries: Kevin Frodell (1), Garrett Montgomery (1), and Stefan Schwartz (1).
Cons: James Purtle (1).

After a number of games this year in difficult wet and rainy conditions it was a pleasant change to have ideal conditions. The sun came out and the temperature was mild and both teams made an honest effort to play an entertaining game.

The Vassar forwards did a very good job in the set piece. They scrummaged well despite some questionable tactics by the visiting tighthead. Rhys Bambrick battled hard and was unlucky to be penalized a few times as it was Vassar that was putting Fairfield under pressure. Hooker Kevin Frodell had a field day and took multiple strikes against the head. The forward's performance was all the more impressive given that they lost number 8 Iain Gordon after about 25 minutes. The tall number 8 has had an excellent season but pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury. Vassar was without their main lineout jumper for the remainder of the game as well as their most experienced number 8. Freshman Ian Ruginski filled in admirably and Vassar barely missed a beat.

The Brewers fell behind 5-0 but responded with a good try with Frodell scoring from close range. ames Purtle hit the conversion from the touchline with a magnificent kick and it 7-5 to Vassar.

Fairfield moved the ball wide at most opportunities but when stalled they often chose to kick ahead. A number of these kicks rolled in-goal and the attacks fizzled out. Vassar fell behind 10-7 when at what looked like a ruck a Fairfield player picked the ball up and attacked the centers. They swiftly moved the ball wide and went over in the corner.

Vassar scrumhalf Garrett Montgomery had another fine game and was rewarded with a try after Vassar worked downfield and the Brewers had a 12-10 lead. Purtle's conversion attempt hit the post! Fairfield then managed to get the upperhand and went ahead 15-12 after a poor penalty kick failed to find touch. Vassar's kicking for touch was abysmal and even more heinous given that it was from penalties! Essentially, Vassar was giving the visitors the ball to attack and reaping no gain from the initial penalty! Connor O'Neill, who 2 weeks ago was striking the ball well, was off target, then Conor Boylan was equally poor, and James Purtle lacked any distance!

In addition the 22 meter restarts in the first half were awful. One went 10 yards backwards! Another was charged down and led to a Fairfield try. Vassar was doing it's level best to help the visitors!

Rhys Bambrick had to leave the field after a heavy knock and Hal Moore came on with Frodell moving to prop. Moore did a good job and Vassar continued to do well in the scrummage.

The game was in the balance and it was Fairfield that scored next to go up 22-12. Then, with time running out, Vassar center Stefan Schwartz went over in the corner after some good continuity and the last few minutes were a desperate attempt to get the win. Alas time ran out and Fairfield, like last year when they won 36-34, had held on for the victory.

Vassar needs to get much more competitive at the breakdown and stop giving opponents multiple opportunities to score. The focus in this short off-season before the trip to Ireland must be to get fitter and stronger and kicking to touch must be practiced continually.

Thanks are due to all the students, alumni, friends, faculty, and family who came out to cheer the team on.

Team: 15 Roku Fukui 14 Paul Tkaczuk 13 James Purtle 12 Stefan Schwartz 11 Conor Boylan 10 Connor O'Neill 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Rhys Bambrick 2 Kevin Frodell 3 Barrington Archer 4 Tyler Blake 5 C.J. Le Sueur 6 Ian Ruginski 7 Adam Steel 8 Iain Gordon. Subs: Joe Karpman for Iain Gordon, Hal Moore for Rhys Bambrick.

Overall record Fall 2009: 2-5-1.
Next: Ireland Tour March 2010.

Vassar College Men "B" 14 v Fairfield University Men "B" 39
Tries: Kevin Frodell (l) & Garrett Montgomery (1).
Cons: Andrew Massey (2).

In another open game the visitors were able to exploit the open space and had too many easy tries. For example, after the first try by Fairfield, the ball was caught from the restart and two passes made before the visitors had scored again! Granted the Vassar team is mostly novice players but all have done tackling this year.

Keviin Frodell doubled up and scored a second try of the day as did Garrett Montgomery. Aaron Colton looked promising at fullback while Adam Kardon, Jerry Dieudonne, and Nic Placeres showed some good instincts.

Kris Adkins at scrumhalf is improving although he must distribute rather than run across the field. Also he needs to show a bit more composure and control but it's good to see such energy and enthusiasm.

Team: 15 Aaron Colton 14 Kendall Coleman 13 Nick Campbell-Semetis 12 Adam Kardon 11 Jerry Dieudonne 10 Nic Placeres 9 Kris Adkins 1 Gui Farias 2 Hal Moore 3 Tyler Blake 4 Andrew Massey 5 Sam Thomas 6 Alan Kenney 7 Matt Elisofon 8 Adam Steel. Subs: Kevin Frodell for Adam Steel & Garrett Montgomery for Hal Moore.