POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 12, 2011) -- The 2011-12 Northeast Met. NY/NYS National Qualifier pitted divisional rivals Vassar College Men against Fairfield University Men in the first semifinal of the day. Vassar had defeated Fairfield earlier in the year 19-13 and no-one was expecting the back and forth thriller that took place on a brisk, sunny, but blustery fall day in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The lead changed hands multiple times and at the half Vassar led 20-5. But Fairfield just would not capitulate and they found room as Vassar fell off tackles. At the end it was a 43-35 victory for the visitors.

Vassar College Men 35 v 43 Fairfield University Men
Tries: Adam Steel (1), Andrew Jdaydani (2), Haydon Moon (2) & Akeel St. Vil (1).
Cons: Brett Anker (1).
Pens: Brett Anker (1).

For the impartial spectator this was a great game to enjoy. The lead changed hands 4 times and there were tries aplenty. Both teams showed tremendous heart and courage coming back from points behind. But in the end it was Fairfield who took the spoils.

Early on it was Vassar that looked sharp and the Brewers put together some impressive phases. Adam Steel scooted over after a strong individual run and his try was followed by fullback Hayden Moon's and it was 10-0. Fairfield responded and poor tackling led to a 10-5 lead.

Vassar lost freshman lock Andrew Moore after just 9 minutes of play when he made a big tackle and sustained a concussion. He has had a wonderful first season and his intelligent running and rugby nous has been a great asset to the team.

Vassar's forwards were winning plenty of ball but the whole team seemed to ease up after their next score when Andrew Jdaydani scored to make it 17-5 with Anker's conversion. Vassar had Fairfield on the ropes but just didn't deliver the knockout punch. The Stags scored to make it 20-12 and they were still in touch with the game.

The biggest problems for Vassar were poor tackling and some ill advised game management. The second half started well for Fairfield and they made it 20-17, closing the gap to just 3 points. But Vassar's Jdaydani scored again and the margin was 25-17 and Moon went over and it was 30-17.

At 30-17, the Brewers again seemed to ease up and it proved to be their downfall. Fairfield scored two converted tries to take what had earlier seemed an unimaginable lead 31-30. One of these tries had covered the full length of the field as Vassar looked like they were about to score but a pass to ground out wide was returned with interest.

But the plot of this game would take yet another turn as Vassar rallied and scored to go up 35-31. So, with about 12 minutes left the Brewers needed to hang on to the ball. But Fairfield was determined and they scored two late tries to kill of the Vassar dream of a Northeast title. It was a harsh loss particularly for the Vassar seniors but they can take great pride in being a part of a thrill game of rugby. The crowd at the game was huge and they were treated to a scoring spree they will long remember.

Team: 15 Hayden Moon 14 Jerry Dieudonne 13 Zach Kent 12 Akeel St. Vil 11 Brett Anker 10 James Purtle 9 Adam Steel 1 Joe Karpman 2 Hal Moore 3 Tyler Blake 4 Andrew Moore 5 Ian Ruginski 6 Alan Kenney 7 Nic Placeres 8 Andrew Jdaydani. Subs: Andrew Massey for Andrew Moore.

Overall record: 6-2-0.

Next: Spring Season 2012