Men's Rugby

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University men's rugby team dropped a hard-fought 19-7 decision to Dartmouth College in a second side scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon.

First Session - 30 minutes

Dartmouth 7- Norwich 0
Dartmouth's second side scored first in the 19th minute with excellent ball handling out wide, stretching the defense and attacking in the corner for an unconverted try. The Cadets applied pressure inside Dartmouth's territory following the kickoff, and they were awarded a penalty at the 22-meter line. Unfortunately, the penalty kick bounced off the left post and was unsuccessful. Norwich continued to apply the pressure, but is unable to capitalize.

"The Big Green has an organized offensive scheme which relies on going forward by out numbering your defense or kicking alertly to space. They are also extremely effective in point of contact especially when it comes to poaching the ball and then counter attacking in the transitional phase, applying constant pressure in attack. Norwich's newcomer's had excellent on the job training in the first thirty minute segment and held their own," said Coach Weggler.

Second Session - 20 minutes

Norwich 7- Dartmouth 0
In the second session, at the eighth minute, Norwich scores a try from an excellent line break by senior Matt Burke. After his initial break he had multiple side steps through Dartmouth's second and third line of defense on the way to placing the ball between the posts.  Antonio Marigliano conversion puts seven on Norwich's new scoreboard. The Cadet's defense displays intense tackling and effective organization throughout this period.

Third Session - 25 minutes

Dartmouth 12- Norwich 0
During the third session Norwich had a different group of fifteen consisting of ten freshmen. Dartmouth scores a converted try at the five minute mark by their #8 and finishes with an unconverted try in the corner of the in-goal at the twenty-fifth minute. "This last session the boys had quality tackles and line breaks, all under pressure. I was impressed, just from yesterday's scrimmage against St Michael's, with their overall improvement," said Coach Weggler.

"It was two days back to back of rugby for the Cadets and quality rugby development definitely took place," said Coach Weggler. He added," as a teacher/coach it is rewarding to observe the positive learning implemented on the pitch, under pressure, with limited hands on experience."

The Cadets travel to Hanover Monday afternoon for another scrimmage with Dartmouth. Kick-off is at 5pm.