Saturday, June 5th, 2004
By Drew Hamlin

It was a day of many firsts. It was the first tie between the Old Boys and the Maddogs. It was the first Sin Binning in an Alumni game. And it was the first time the game was played at Parsons Field.

The Old Boys came out strong and were able to score the first try of the match. Despite spending time in their defensive half, the Maddogs were able to work the ball downfield with some great, well-supported runs by the backs and eventually scoring a try that left the Old Boys trying to catch their breath.

The Maddogs continued their defensive stand through another 60 minutes of rugby, a testament to the defense that worked so well through the Fall and Spring seasons. The Old Boys finally got back into the try zone when one of the forwards dove in, dropping the ball in mid-air and collecting it again after the ball had touched the ground. The ref ruled it a try and the Old Boys went up 10-5 with about 10 minutes left in the match.

The Maddogs again used their backs to break out of their half and move the ball to the edge of the try zone. After some pounding runs by the forwards, the Maddogs were able to use an overload to break through the weaken defense of the Old Boys to tie the game 10-10.

Regular time finished with a tie game and while many options were discussed as to how to decide the winner, an additional ten minutes of rugby was played. The Maddogs did not relax their defense. In the closing minutes of the overtime period, the Maddogs stopped the Old Boys best attempt by clearly holding up the try, as it was a Maddog who came out of the pile with the ball.

It was a great 100 minutes of rugby with the Alumni giving the Maddogs a new jersey set at the end of the game. The Maddogs would like to thank the Old Boys for their continued support of the club and we look forward to next year's game.

Saturday, June 5th, 2004
By Northeastern Old Boys

After much hoopla and mouthing off from the young dogs. It has once
again been proven that wisdom and experience prevails over youthful
energy and spirit.

The NOBS (NU Old Boys) were awesome coming out hard and pounding in a
try after just a few minutes of play. The Maddogs held their ground for
some time while the alums kept the ball down in their end of the field
for most of the game. The Maddogs played tough and responded well as
the game ended with four tries scored by both sides. At the close of
full time an immediate court was held at center field and it was
decided the game must go on. An additional 10 minutes were added with
sudden death overtime. Nevertheless, the defense of both sides held the
day and no scores were made to close the match in a tie.

It was noted by the young dogs that the referee was terrible—a usual
complaint!! It should also be noted that the referee was judging the
NOBS as well as the Maddogs, and the same who disallowed, not one, but
two trys for the NOBS due. One other point that would clearly place
victory with the NOBS was the failure of the Maddogs to prepare post
before the match and therefore no kicking for points was allowed. Given
the NOBS approximate 90% field possession advantage and the steady
stream of penalties award against the Maddogs it is clear the “kicking
for points factor” clearly kept the NOBS from a routing score against
the young lads.

Of further interest were the numerous punch-ups that went on during the
game reminiscent of the good old days. When hearts were pure and the
Maddog lived in the sand and dirt of our faithful Triangle of Death.
Dirt that filled our open wounds with the spirit that cries for greater
challenges and the blood of Ivy boys. Pictures from the game and the banquet afterwards can be found here.