POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - After a bright start by the Vassar Men on a gloomy wet fall afternoon the visiting SUNY-Maritime team ran with purpose and confidence to finish emphatic winners in this Tri-State Conference divisional game. Individually the Vassar men had their moments but collectively it was a spotty affair with too many errors.

Tries: Cole Landolt (1) & James Christensen (1).
Cons: Evan Roberts (2). 
The game began with Vassar forcing a turnover and then going through multiple phases to take a 7-0 lead. Ball retention was good and the passes stuck thus allowing for the Brewers to pressure their opponents.

But the speedy Privateers got their hands on the ball and proceeded to march down the field with not that much resistance. There was  a willingness to set up quicker than the previous week but for some reason Vassar decided not to contest rucks! The immediate result was that Maritime held the ball for long periods!

The Vassar scrum functioned well and the Vassar forwards were competitive but much like last weekend it was the tackling that let the home team down. Too often Maritime ball carriers won the collisions - it made for good viewing but it set Vassar back deep in their own half.

After about 20 minutes it was Maritime who led 19-7. Vassar took a 7-0 lead and then stopped contesting the rucks! The amount of ball that the visitors obtained was going to be an issue as they kept their handling errors to a minimum and got over the gain line.

At the half it was 26-7 and Vassar started the second period well. The Brewers needed to score to lift morale and get back into the contest. But 20 minutes passed and neither team had added to their tally. Then a breakout from defense saw Maritime go further ahead 31-7. Vassar did respond with a good try from James Christensen as the ball was swung wide but two more tries from the visitors sealed the deal.

Vassar had short spells of pressure but must put together longer sessions and improve their defensive work. It is a young side that is learning some lessons the hard way.