Men's Rugby

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Bridgton Academy's rugby coach Matt Burgess traveled to Northfield with 15 ruggers for a training session and a scrimmage with Norwich's developmental squad, consisting of primarily freshmen.

Norwich coaches Bob Weggler and Austin Hall conducted a two-hour training session for Bridgton as many of the players were new to rugby. Thank to their athletic experience in other sports, they quickly picked up the fundamentals of rugby.  

Bridgton's Jordan Mizioch will be a member of Norwich rugby in the fall. Miizioch's teammate, Tom Whlyd, also has interest in attending Norwich.

During the scrimmage, the respective coaches were on the pitch instructing the players. It was a well-played scrimmage for two clubs who were relatively new to the game. In the first 30 minutes of play Bridgton scored two tries. In the second stanza, lasting 40 minutes, both clubs scored two tries apiece. Both tries for the Cadets came from scrum half Bryon Steuber, taking advantage of quick taps at the penalty.

"It was an excellent afternoon of rugby development for both clubs," said Weggler. "I was especially surprised how well the front row engagements were from the very first scrum. As the ball handling improved in the second stanza both backlines had some effective attacks."

Norwich's match with Dartmouth this Saturday has been postponed to Monday April 27. The Cadets' first match of the spring will be home against Vermont on Wednesday April 15. Kickoff time is slated for 5 p.m.