POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 2, 2011) -- In the previous meeting in th Fall, the Vassar College men's rugby team scored seven tries, converting six of them, and brushed aside their cross river rivals by the score of 47-7. But just five months later and with both teams having only played a few games the Hawks were able to turn matters around and win by two points. Yes, they were a better team than they showed in the Fall. They were more controlled at the breakdown and out-hustled Vassar on this dry, sunny, and mild spring day. But it has to be said that the penalty count was grossly in favor of the visitors which was very alarming as Vassar prides itself on a disciplined approach. There was one other glaring difference from the fall that tipped the scales and that was the edge New Paltz had up front. They pushed the Vassar scrum around and also disrupted the lineouts to a lesser degree.

Vassar College Men 17 v SUNY-New Paltz Men 19
Tries: Iain Gordon (1), James Purtle (1), Ian Ruginski (1).
Cons: Brett Anker (1).

The lack of a really stable platform up front is usually the undoing of any team no matter how well they play behind. The Brewers defended well given the amount of ball New Paltz gained and although yards were earned the flow was held in check.

In the first half New Paltz went up after the ball was poorly controlled at the base of a scrum just five meters from the Vassar line. Garrett Montgomery was caught in possession and moments later a New Paltz forward drove over for a 5-0 lead. But Vassar responded well with some pressure of their own and Iain Gordon tied the game at 5-5 and that was how it stayed up to half-time.

The key for Vassar was to look after the ball they did secure for scrums and lineouts were going to prove problematic. But turnovers were too frequent and the hard direct running of the New Paltz players, whether they were forwards or backs, was difficult to stop.

But Vassar went up and took a 12-5 lead when Montgomery alertly took a tap penalty and fed James Purtle for a short charging run. Brett Anker's conversion was a formality. But at the ensuing kick-off Vassar spilled the ball lose and not long thereafter New Paltz had tied the game 12-12.

The penalty count did not improve in the second half and one felt that the referee was allowing players to join rucks before they retired behind the tackle. The heavier New Paltz forwards didn't probably need this advantage but they took it and prospered. Despite being unable to sustain their periods of pressure Vassar went up again when Ian Ruginski ran with purpose and guile to go over in the right corner and with about 20 minutes left Vassar led 17-12.

New Paltz had never lost confidence in their ability to score and they rumbled back to take the lead when they scored and converted the try after a missed assignment at a lineout. Up by two points with about 12 minutes left, Vassar still had a chance to salvage a result. Referee Jordan Weiss made an error when the New Paltz fullback kicked from near his own goal-line. With all 14 of the remaining New Paltz team offside, and a number within a few yards of the receiver, he did not blow for a penalty! Vassar gained no advantage when the receiver caught the ball for there was a forest of defenders surrounding him! Three points in this last 2 minutes would have put Vassar up 20-19.

But this faux-pas was not the reason New Paltz won the game. They deserved to win for they worked hard and made the most of their opportunities. Vassar had done enough to win but not been able to capitalize.

The focus this spring is the Beast of the East Tournament and getting players experience for next fall. This was a hard lesson to learn but hopefully players will buckle down this coming week and next and make the effort to improve.

Team: 15 Brett Anker 14 Kendall Coleman 13 Jerry Diedonne 12 Karl Foley 11 Zach Kent 10 James Purtle 9 Garrett Montgomery 1 Jehan Shams 2 Brian Carvajal 3 Tyler Blake 4 Ian Ruginski 5 Aidan Kahn 6 Matt Elisofon 7 Alan Kenney 8 Iain Gordon. Subs: Dan Flynn for Matt Elisofon, Zac Hays for Brian Carvajal.

Next: Satduray April 9, 2011 versus RPI Men kick-off 11:00 a.m. at Vassar.

Vassar College Men "B" 8 v SUNY-New Paltz Men "B" 5
Tries: Jerry Dieudonne (1).
Pens: Brett Anker (1).

A really good effort from the lads who played "B" side was rewarded with a win when Brett Anker slotted a late penalty. The teams had been tied at 5-5 after Vassar's Jerry Dieudonne had used one of his trademark bullocking runs to tie the game. He is a deceptively strong runner and although his experience is in the backs at center and wing, he probably is best suited to play flanker.

The Vassar forwards rucked well as a unit in this game and it proved decisive as they kept the ball away from the strong running visitors. Matt Elisofon took a knock but hung in there until Karl Foley took over with Montgomery moving to number 8.

The "B" side completes a sweep over New Paltz this year with the win.

Team: 15 Kendall Coelman14 Garrett Montgomery 13 Zach Kent 12 Jerry Dieudonne 11 Hayden Moon 10 Aidan Kahn 9 Brett Anker 1 Dan Flynn 2 Alan Kenney 3 Zac Hays 4 Jehan Shams 5 Jonathan Chu 6 Parker Reeves 7 Brian Carvajal 8 Matt Elisofon. Subs: Karl Foley for Matt Elisofon.