Northeastern University Men's Rugby

Maddogs Down Yale, Even Record

Sunday September 23, 2007
By: Lilliam Wong

The Maddogs traveled to New Haven, CT this weekend to take on the Yale Bulldogs in a 10:00am kick-off. Both clubs came into the match 0-1 and were looking to get back into the NERFU playoff picture.

Northeastern came out a bit sluggish early in the match as they allowed Yale’s forwards some decent runs in open play. Yale was able to capitalize on their field position early and opened the scoring with a penalty kick to make it 3-0 Bulldogs. The Maddogs responded quickly, marching inside the Yale twenty-two. After a short Yale defensive stand inside the 5-meter line, senior lock Keith Morrison was able to score to the left of the posts. A missed conversion left the score 5-3 Maddogs.

The next 15 minutes were played heavily in Yale’s defensive end. Northeastern was able to take advantage of two Bulldog penalties as freshman center James Sullivan converted two kicks to make the score 11-3 with just under ten minutes to go in the first half. Yale made a strong surge in the final minutes of the half but the Maddog defense made a strong goal line stand to keep the score 11-3 at the half.

Northeastern received the second half kick and the opening 15 minutes were a game of possession. Each offensive push inside the 22-meter line by Yale was countered by strong kicks to touch by Sullivan. The clubs swapped missed penalty kicks and the score remained 11-3 midway through the second frame.

With the outcome of the match still in question, prop Marc Pinette broke through the Yale defensive line for a strong 20 meter run. Great open play offloads among the Maddogs ensued and fly-half George Burt was the beneficiary with a try just left of the posts. The conversion was good, increasing the NU lead to 18-3.

Strong open play among the forwards and backs continued and the Maddogs were able to add two more quick scores by winger John “The Blank” and eight-man Mike Bruce. Northeastern was able to convert 1 of 2 kicks to up their lead to 30-3 with just under 10 minutes to play. A strong individual effort by the Yale number nine put the home team over the try line for the first time on the day. The conversion failed and left the game 30-8 with 3 minutes remaining in the match.

The final try of the day came on the last play of the match as scrum-half Colin(s) Talbot broke through the Yale defense and scampered 30 meters for a score.
Final Score: Northeastern 35 Yale 8

The Maddogs (1-1) take on Dartmouth (1-1) this Saturday September 29, 2007 at Parsons Field in Brookline, MA. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.

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If interested in playing, email Keith Morrison, or drop your name and number in our mailbox located in the Marino Center office.

Date	Home	Away
9/16	UConn	Northeastern
9/22	Yale	Northeastern
9/29	Northeastern	Dartmouth
10/6	Northeastern	Harvard
10/13	Northeastern	Army
10/20	Boston College	Northeastern
10/27	Norwich	Northeastern