PORTSMOUTH, RI (April 16, 2011) -- The Vassar College men's rugby team came out of the blocks fast and furious in both their group games to earn excellent wins at the Beast of the East tournament. The results were deserved and both opposition coaches were full of praise for the manner of the wins. The Brewers advance to the quarterfinal round of the Beast of the East Tournament on Sunday and while there are some concerns over the condition of flyhalf James Purtle the atmosphere in the squad is bouyant and upbeat.

Vassar College Men 12 v Babson College Men 10
Tries: Garrett Montgomery (2).
Cons: Brett Anker (1).

Vassar raced ahead and dominated the first half of this opening group game with the halfback pairing of Garrett Montgomery and Purtle pulling all the strings. Montgomery was on a mission to win this weekend and it showed in everything he did. He was decisive and fast thinking as he took quick tap penalties, he darted hither and thither, and his dostribution was first class. He was able to be so effective because the Vassar forwards were also in good form.

Maybe it was the fact that none of the big men could travel to this event or perhaps it was the motivation of Montgomery, probably both but in the end they worked as a tight knit unit.

Flyhalf Purtle also benefited from the quick ball and he slammed his way between defenders to break free and cause havoc in behind the defense. Rarely has a Vassar halfback pairing been so effective. It led to 2 tries for Montgomery and with Brett Anker's conversion Vassar led 14-0 at the half.

In the second period, Babson began to get a little more ball although it must be said it was often from Vassar giving away silly penalties. In any event they managed 2 late tries, neither converted, and the final score was 12-10. Vassar never looked like losing this game and it was great to see the pack so effective without Gordon and Kahn.

Team: 15 Brett Anker 14 Hayden Moon 13 Jerry Diedonne 12 Karl Foley 11 Zach Kent 10 James Purtle 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Jehan Shams 2 Brian Carvajal 3 Zac Hayes 4 Tyler Blake 5 Dan Flynn 6 Nic Placeres 7 Matt Elisofon 8 Ian Ruginski. Subs: Barrington Archer for Brian Carvajal.

Vassar College Men 27 v Mass. Maritime Men 0
Tries: Andrew Jdaydani (3), Jerry Dieudonne (1).
Cons: Brett Anker (2).
Pens: Brett Anker (1).

This was a carbon copy of game one save for one major difference. At number 8, Andrew Jdaydani decided that he would not pass to Montgomery. The novice number 8 playing just his second game at this position ran well beating opponents with a good step and fend.

The scrum was rock solid as Barrington Archer returned to the lineup and the Brewers had a platform from which to launch their attacks. The backs tackled extremely well in the open field and Zach Kent should stand up and take a bow for a couple of his tackles. He is so much more at home playing on the wing and next fall should reap what he is sowing now.

This was a very sound performance from the Brewers and it means that they take on BU tomorrow.

Team: 15 Brett Anker 14 Hayden Moon 13 Jerry Diedonne 12 Karl Foley 11 Zach Kent 10 James Purtle 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Dan Flynn 2 Zac Hays 3 Barrington Archer 4 Tyler Blake 5 Ian Ruginski 6 Nic Placeres 7 Akeel St. Vil 8 Andrew Jdaydani. Subs: Brian Carvajal for Barrington Archer, Kris Adkins for Hayden Moon, Joanthan Chu for Ian Ruginski, Parker Reeves for Nic Placeres, Alan Kenney for Akeel St. Vil.