HEMPSTEAD, NY (September 19, 2010) -- Although Hofstra University opened the game with a try in under a minute, the Vassar College men's rugby team took over and never looked back in a 36-7 victory Sunday afternoon.

The Brewers won their opening MET NY Rugby Union game for their first win of the season, evening their record at 1-1. They host cross-river rival SUNY New Paltz Sunday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Hofstra scored on the opening kick-off to take a 7-0 lead in the first minute with a long kick ahead that took a favorable bounce and was recovered for a try.

After the initial slip-up, the Brewers imposed their offense and scored six unanswered tries en route to the win.

Captain Garrett Montgomery took control and had another strong game organizing his pack and distributing the ball wisely. Freshman 10 Dillon Tyksinski meshed with the veteran Montgomery and scored Vassar's first try to even the contest after the forwards marched up to the Hofstra end. Tyskinsi made an even larger impact with his tackle and rucking when a ball was intercepted.

The Brewers displayed grit and hustle to land some big hits in a physical contest. James Purtle demolished a ballcarrier with a stinging tackle and Adam Steel lifted the biggest Hofstra prop and set him on top of the ruck.

Aidan Kahn, in for the injured Iain Gordon, picked and drove over the line for a second try that made it 10-7 at the half. It was a forwards try as they had picked and made good ground for a number of phases.

Hofstra had some strong runners and a massive pack of forwards but they kept giving away penalties at the ruck. Hofstra failed time and time again to roll away at the tackle and their fringe defense was regularly off-side. The Vassar forwards showed commitment to the tackle but were quick to get to their feet and compete again from an on-side position.

The Brewers struck first in the second stanza as lock Tyler Blake rumbled from 15 yards with a surprising turn of speed. Purtle's conversion extended the lead to 17-7.

Vassar consistently set rucks and forced the Hofstra players to get back and build their defense but quick ball allowed Montgomery to keep the Brewers on the front foot. From a 5-meter scrum Number 8 Ian Ruginski could not believe his luck as he went over for the simplest of scores. The Hofstra flanker was still pushing his tighthead prop up the field when the Rhode Island native dived over.

Vassar wrapped up the scoring as Kendall Coleman burst into the line and took a lovely offload from Tyksinski and then Garrett Montgomery slithered over for the final try.

The Brewers defeated Hofstra for the sixth staight year.

Tries: Dillon Tyksinski (1), Aidan Kahn (1), Tyler Blake (1), Ian Ruginski (1), Garrett Montgomery (1), Kendall Coleman (1).
Cons: James Purtle (3)

Team: 15 Zach Kent 14 Kendall Coleman 13 Nic Placeres 12 James Purtle 11 Zach Wasser 10 Dillon Tyksinski 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Joe Karpman 2 Hal Moore 3 Barrington Archer 4 Tyler Blake 5 C. J. LeSueur 6 Aidan Kahn 7 Adam Steel 8 Ian Ruginski. Subs: Andrew Massey for Barrington Archer, Brett Anker for Zach Kent (blood).

Vassar College Men "B Side" 7 v Hofstra University Men "B Side" 0

Tries: Zach Beauchamp (1).
Cons: Brett Anker (1).

Due to the field availability situation, this was a truncated game but that was probably just as well for the home team. They had no subs and the shape shown by the Vassar "B" team was excellent. The forwards were combative in the loose and ran with zeal and purpose. The scrum was better this week as well so there was a platform from which Kris Adkins could launch his backs.

Vassar lacrosse player Zach Beauchamp scored the winner with an interception and 40 yard return over the goal line. Fullback Brett Anker coolly slotted the conversion from the touchline. Anker also had a couple of good runs and was solid under the high ball. Rahul Kanade showed promise and up front, Zac Hays gave a very solid performance.

Team: 15 Brett Anker 14 Zach Beauchamp 13 Rob Rooney 12 Akeel St. Vil 11 Mike Ilardi 10 Rahul Kanade 9 Kris Adkins 1 Jehan Shams 2 Brian Carvajal 3 Zac Hays 4 Brandon Greene 5 Jonathan Chu 6 Sam Thomas 7 Alan Kenney 8 Andrew Massey. Subs: Matt Elisofon for Andrew Massey, Hayden Moon, & Jonah Orr (DNP).