Vassar College Women
West Point, New York
Friday October 13th, 2017
Vassar Women Take on Army J.V. at West Point
It was a just short journey south from Poughkeepsie to West Point and the Brewers took the field at the scenic Anderson Rugby Complex to face the United States Military Academy Women's J.V. team. The iconic West Point campus has their rugby facility nestled next to the Hudson River and on this balmy, dry and beautiful Fall evening the spectators present were treated to 15 tries in total. To be blunt, a good number were more a product of poor tackling rather than outstanding attacking play but there were plenty of talking points that's for sure.
Friday October 13, 2017
Vassar College Women 61 v 26 U.S.M.A. (Army) Women J.V.
Vassar started very well and scored within the first couple of minutes as they won quick ball at the rucks and punched over the gain line before spinning the ball wide to fullback
Michelle Urrutia who got around the defense and deep into Army territory. Vassar got the put-in at a scrum following a wayward lineout and a few phases later scrumhalf
Jennie To dived over for an easy score as there was no defense at the side of the ruck.
From the re-start Vassar again marched up the field but this time they gifted a score to the home team when the ball was dropped in the center and when gathered by the Army defender she sprinted from her 22 to the Vassar 22 before offloading to a support player and bingo it was tied at 7-7. It was clear that the inexperienced Army XV had pace. They also had good size and were making solid tackles. Vassar was able to get over the gain line because of the good lines of running being made but when they met contact it was a case of thou shalt not pass.
An excellent strong run by flanker
Oshana Reich who battled her way over from 15 yards out put Vassar back in front but it was a little worrying that the Vassar scrum was under some pressure. The ball was being won and passed away but there is work to do in this area.
A good run from
Kayla Lightner once again got Vassar on the front foot and gained significant territory. It was followed by some good phases and eventually
Michelle Urrutia went over for a good score. At 17-7 and having had most of the ball Vassar looked comfortable.
But the Cadets had other ideas and when they did get possession Vassar looked somewhat disorganized on defense. At a tap penalty an Army ball carrier ran right past
Marron McConnell and
Makena Emery as neither even attempted to tackle her! When Army stole a Vassar scrum put-in and spun the ball wide the winger went over in the corner. At 17-12 it was looking like a long night was on the cards.
Another Army score made it 19-17 and the home team was riding a wave. But another very determined run from
Oshana Reich put the Brewers ahead 24-19 on the stroke of half time.
The discussion after the first 40 minutes was mainly focused on the defensive attitude needed from the team. It was critical that the Brewers adopt a will to play when the opposition had possession.
The second half was a much more rounded display with far fewer mistakes. Flyhalf
Makena Emery really improved and her decision making was a big factor in the team playing better. The Army defensive line was offside and consequently in her face as she received the ball. She did not panic not throw errant passes and the difference was massive. Vassar kept possession and was able to recycle the ball and continue to pressure the Army defense.
Individually and collectively the standard of play rose and as Army ran out of steam so the Brewers kept piling on the pressure. It translated into points with
Sarah Mawhinney getting a brace as did Urrutia whike
Jennie To scored two more to earn a hattrick.
The game video will be a good teaching tool and it'll allow the Brewers to identify weaknesses in defense. The attacking structure was not too bad and the reduction in errors must be continued.
Many thanks are due the Army team and coaches for they were very hospitable and the
game was played in a good spirit.
Final score at West Point
