Monday, April 5th, 2004
By Michael Gall
Wind, rain, and terrible field conditions were the only disappointments for
the Northeastern University Maddogs during their trip to Washington, DC last
weekend, as the team returned to the annual Cherry Blossoms tournament itching
for a battle. Eager to start playing rugby after two weeks of cancelled matches,
the Dogs squared off against some of the nation's top teams, rising to the
occasion each time.
After the venue had been changed from
the National Mall to Bull Run Regional Park in Manassas, VA, the Maddogs began
their weekend early Saturday morning going toe-to-toe with top-ranked Navy.
It was a match defined by defensive stands and one where the Maddog pack once
again controlled the scrums. Navy went on to chalk up a lone try without a
conversion kick in the first half and would pull away from the match 5-0.
That did not hinder the Maddogs' pursuit of glory however, as they quickly
rebounded and victimized their next opponent, R.P.I. in a convincing 32-7
win to cap off the first day of tournament play.
Day two began on the windy summit of Bull Run Park and featured a rematch
of last year's game between Northeastern and Georgetown University. At this
point the younger Maddogs were stepping it up and showing their mettle as
everyone got in on this 10-0 victory over the Hoyas. This put the Dogs in
the Plate Championship game and pitted them against top-ranked Penn State.
The final showdown saw the best rugby played by the Dogs this spring as the
match was defined by excellent ball movement among the backs, outstanding
scrummage from the pack, and impressive rucking on a field that was nothing
but thick Virginia clay. Penn State would come away with the victory however
in the final minute, squeezing in a penalty kick that capped the score at
10-5.
The team would like to thank the Washington Rugby Club for hosting the tournament
and would like to extend a thanks to all those who showed up in support. Please
check our schedule for future game times and locations.
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