POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 6, 2009) -- It started as such an idyllic day with a short trip across town to take on Marist College. It was warm and sunny and the field looked in perfect condition right alongside the Hudson. But after 80 minutes the Vassar defense had been shredded numerous times and given up 7 tries. Whatever complaints the team might have had about referee decisions were insignificant compared to their own tackling woes.
Vassar College Men 17 v Marist College 39
Tries: Garrett Montgomery (1), Rhys Bambrick (1), & Stefan Schwartz (1).
Cons: James Purtle (1).
Vassar fell behind 7-0 and then 14-5 and really had not been threatened by Marist. But 2 penalties allowed Marist to gain good territory and from close range they had scored. Vassar settled a little and regaining their composure managed to score twice to take the lead and at the half it was 17-14.
But the game had no real shape and Vassar could not impose their pattern or develop any rhythm at all. Credit Marist for running very strongly, being their usual fiesty-selves at the breakdown, and coming on to the ball at pace.
Vassar's tackling was poor and while that is often the case with the first game of the season in this instance it was a divisional game. Up front the scrum looked solid and although Mike See had to depart with a bloody nose
Barrington Archer came on and aquitted himself quite well.
This 2009-10 squad has plenty of talent and pace but will need to work alot harder on basic defense and quickness of thought if they are to improve.
Record: 0-1-0
Next week: Sunday September 16, 2009 at Hofstra University kick-off 1:00 p.m.
Vassar College Men "B" 0 v Marist College Men "B" 29
A very novice team took on the Marist "B" team and while they only trailed 7-0 at the half they eventually conceded another 22 points to finish defeated. This is such a young and inexperienced group that more time should be allowed before one passes judgement. There is good pace and plenty of good attitude to build on but much like their "A" team counterparts there must be big improvements in the basics of tackling and rucking.
