HEMPSTEAD, NY (September 8, 2013) - The hot weather and hard surface allied with FGS, first-game-syndrome, made for a typical early season game. It was more a case of capitalizing on mistakes rather than breaking down the Hofstra defense but in the end Vassar won this one with a convincing score-line. The players will be glad to get this game under their belt but they know there is a lot of work to be done to ensure effective attacks. Hofstra did not see that much ball so the Vassar defense was not really tested and now the goal is to improve in practice for sterner tests ahead. It was great to have the support of Alumni, family, and friends as former captains Charlie Williams and Joe Karpman attended, as well as Paul Cummins, his father, and Nichelle Jackson. Thanks to all who came along to cheer for Vassar… you're a good man Charlie Brown!
Vassar College Men 61 v Hofstra University Men 0
Tries: Andrew Jdaydani (2), Alan Hagins (1), Geoff Matthes (1), Jerry Dieudonne (1), Jacob Adelgren (1), Penalty Try (2).
Cons: Nick Graham (6).
Pens: Nick Graham (3).
Sustained territorial pressure allowed Vassar to get up by 9-0 with 3 well struck penalties from kicker Nich Graham after 20 minutes. It was clear that the work with Australian kicking coach, Damien Hill, was paying dividends as Graham had received instruction the previous week and the young flyhalf slotted a further 5 of 7 conversions.
Hofstra are in the process of rebuilding their team having had administrative issues last Fall. They have two new coaches, a good number of players, and a great attitude. They have always been a strong tackling team that attacks directly and that is exactly what was witnessed thus beautiful fall afternoon.
Vassar was able to monopolize possession but the rucks were poor with bad body position and thus the Brewers did not clear out their opponents quickly enough if at all. The slow ball allowed Hofstra to organize defensively and then the cycle would start again.
Andrew Jdaydani scored first for Vassar running a good line off a ruck and it settled the Vassar nerves as with the penalties it was a 16-0 lead after 25 minutes. Then after a few quick phases the ball was worked to Alan Hagins and the all-action fullback zipped in to make it 21-0 as Nich Graham missed his first kick.
At the ensuing kick-off Christmas came early! Hofstra's drop kick did not travel 10 meters and debutant Geoff Matthes gathered the ball and sprinted in behind the hesitant Hofstra forwards. The 6'3" and 230lbs prop was chased and about to be caught when he stepped and stiff-armed the tackler before diving over for the try. Santa had been very generous and Vassar led 28-0 as Graham converted. It was nice to see Matthes score in his first game as he had been denied the opportunity to play last Spring having missed the deadline for a physical.
The Vassar backs were seeing plenty of ball but the timing of the runs from outside center was a little off and gaps were not exploited. The forwards kept battling away but must get lower in the rucks if they are to produce good quality ball.
The second half saw a number of high tackles from the tired Hofstra defenders and referee Kevin Slakas produced 2 yellow cards. It obviously did not help the home team's cause to play down a man each time. So Hofstra now had their backs to the wall and 2 penalty tries were the result. Credit is due the Hofstra players for their great effort as they never stopped tackling and attacking when they could get the ball but the result was now a forgone conclusion. Andrew Jdaydani and Jacob Adelgren picked up a try each in the latter stages and fittingly Jerry Dieudonne scored. Dieudonne played at 12 and then moved to flanker and he was a rock all day in contact.
Team: 15 Alan Hagins 14 Jacob Adelgren 13 Brian Heil 12 Jerry Dieudonne 11 Jesse Myhill 10 Nich Graham 9 Karl Foley 1 Geoff Matthes 2 Kenta Hasui 3 John Winton 4 Louis Khourey 5 Matt Montgomery 6 Zach Rippe 7 Erik Quinson 8 Andrew Jdaydani. Subs: Adam D'Agostino for Erik Quinson, Matt Brown for Matt Montgomery, Ben Chipkin for John Winton, & Jake Sheehy for Karl Foley.
Overall record: 1-0-0.
Next weekend: Sunday September 15th, 2013 versus Seton Hall University at Vassar College Farm, Kick-off 2:00 p.m.
Vassar College Men "B" 27 v Hofstra University Men "B" 15
Tries: Ben Chipkin (2), Jake Sheehy (2), Seamus Taylor (1).
Cons: Stoddard Meigs (1).
In the second game of the day the superior rucking and disciplined attack allowed Vassar to exploit space out wide. Ben Chipkin, fighting to regain his starting spot, ran well for 2 tries and Jake Sheehy was keen to impress at scrumhalf. He too collected a brace of tries.
John Loree looked comfortable up front and picked the ball well and freshman Seamus Taylor has a bit of pace. But the hard work was done up front and good ball meant threatening attacks. Alejandro Dinsmore had to leave the field with a cut in his eyebrow and no doubt stitches will be in order.
All the players did well and that can only be good as it creates competition for starting places.
Team: 15 Seamus Taylor 14 Miguel Salcedo 13 Ben Chipkin 12 Nich Johnson 11 Matt Choe 10 Stoddard Meigs 9 Jake Sheehy 1 Matt Brown 2 Adam D'Agostino 3 John Loree 4 Wade Crouch 5 Alejandro Dinsmore. Subs: Matt Montgomery for Alejandro Dinsmore & John Winton for Adam D'Agostino.
Overall record: 1-0-0.
Next weekend: Sunday September 15th, 2013 versus Seton Hall University "B" at Vassar College Farm, Kick-off 3:45 p.m.
