PORTSMOUTH, RI (April 17, 2011) -- Vassar College's influential flyhalf James Purtle was unable to play in this men's rugby Beast of the East quarterfinal game and wing Hayden Moon was aslo missing having had to return to college. It meant that the back division had to be re-shuffled with flankers Akeel St. Vil and Alan Kenney moving to the wings. Zach Kent shifted to fullback and Brett Anker went to the demanding number 10 position. It was nip and tuck the whole way in this exciting game and in the end the teams were only separated by a single try that was an incredible individual effort as the BU outside center stepped a host of players to score.

Vassar College Men 0 v Boston University Men 7

I think it would be safe to say that Garrett Montgomery was the single best scrumhalf at the Beast of the East Tournament this year. There certainly were number 9s who are bigger, faster, and stronger but none as savvy and streetwise, able to get the most out of a situation or the players around him. He played with a verve and confidence that kept BU off balance and very nearly spoiled their party.

Vassar scrummaged well and every player to a man put in some big tackles. Jehan Shams made a monster tackle down one touchline and Barrington Archer too was getting in on the action. The Vassar lads may well have lost this game but it was through no lack of commitment and effort. The team was able to go through multiple phases and establish good field position but once BU were backed up near their line they managed to hold their defensive line.

In the second half brett Anker put in two or three good kicks to the lefthand corner and Vassar managed to chase well and catch the BU receiver. But from the subsequent rucks and mauls they were unable to punch over for the score that woud tie the game.

It was a tough loss given how evenly matched the teams were on the day. But the Vassar men can hold their heads high and walk proud for they played 3 good quality games over the weekend and were fine representatives of the sport and the college.

Montgomery led the team superbly preparing them before each game and then playing like the wily veteran he is to almost take Vassar to the final 4.

Team: 15 Zach Kent 14 Akeel St. Vil 13 Jerry Diedonne 12 Karl Foley 11 Alan Kenney 10 Brett Anker 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Jehan Shams 2 Zac Hays 3 Barrington Archer 4 Tyler Blake 5 Dan Flynn 6 Nic Placeres 7 Ian Ruginski 8 Andrew Jdaydani. Subs: Matt Elisofon for Dan Flynn.

Next: Saturday April 23, 2011 versus Hamilton College Men at Vassar kick-off 12:30 p.m.