Vassar College Women
Poughkeepsie, New York
Saturday October 1st, 2017
Poughkeepsie Rivalry Renewed
There is always a bit of an edge when the two Poughkeepsie based colleges face off against each other and the first 40 minutes of this contest was quite a spectacle to watch as both teams went at each other hammer and tongs. The physicality of this match was intense as evidenced by quite a few stoppages and at the end of the half the spectators had been treated to 8 tries in a fiercely fought contest.
Saturday October 1, 2017
Vassar College Women 58 v 26 Marist College Women
Tries: Michelle Urrutia (3),Kate Sworden (2), Abby Alexander (1), Jennie To (2), Sarah Mawhinney (1), & Amanda Saich (1).
Cons: Makena Emery (4).
Vassar led 5-0 when they pushed the ball wide to
Michelle Urrutia who scampered over to earn the lead. The ever improving fullback, who finished the day with a hat trick of tries, is looking comfortable in her new position.
The opening stanza was dominated by the Vassar forwards who got into stride quickly and did a wonderful job of supporting one another in the close quarters around the rucks. There really seems to be a tight bond that has each of the players working hard for one another. The fact that by game's end 4 of the 10 tries scored were by a forward was just reward for their efforts.
The Vassar set piece looked solid and they pushed back the Marist pack at virtually every scrum. The lineouts were functioning well and the loose play was exemplary. It was something of a surprise then to find after 20 minutes that Marist had the lead at 7-5. A missed tackle in the center allowed a Marist speedster to sprint over 65 yards to score.
The seesaw first half saw Vassar clamber back ahead when
Kate Sworden battled over the line to make it 10-7 only for Vassar to throw an interception and Marist then led 14-10. Cue Vassar and their next try, scored by the powerful wing Abby Alexander and now the Brewers led 17-14.
Vassar seemed to be in control of this game but Marist was not going to just lie down and take a beating! The Marist back division once again launched and Vassar allowed their most dangerous runner too much time and space. She was gone and moments later it was game on!
Vassar finished the half with 29 points (5 tries and 2 conversions) while Marist scored 21 (3 converted tries).
The halftime talk was all about looking after the ball and playing knowing that the bonus point was already earned and that managing the game was the important factor! The area where improvements had to be made was tackling. The previous weeks the team has had to play little or no defense and unfortunately they need the work. Marist gave Vassar plenty to handle and the Brewers fell behind twice but battled back to regain the lead. They stuck to their systems and it paid dividends.
Amanda Saich was a force at Number 8 running with a scary directness. The Vassar pack must be a horrible unit to play against as they just keep coming at you wave after wave. Tackles have to be put in and as teams tire from all the defensive work gaps open up.
The game was superbly refereed by Mr. Brad Kleiner of the Rugby Referees Society of New York and it allowed both teams ample opportunity to play some attractive rugby.
Jennie To is a warrior! Plain and simple she seems to drive the team at times with sheer force of will. Her distribution was excellent and her decision making equally impressive. She scored a brace, one either side of half time, but it was the latter try that got Vassar off to the perfect start in the last 40 minutes.
