Men's Rugby: Norwich Ends Season With 20-12 Loss At Yale
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Norwich University men's rugby team took the long trip down to face the Bulldogs of Yale University and the Cadets fell by the final score of 20-12.
Yale jumped out to an early lead with a gusty wind at their back. The Bulldogs scored on an unconverted try in the corner and from a penalty kick, and had an 8-0 lead 10 minutes into the match.
The Cadets battled back and took charge in the scrums and at the rucks. Yale could not take advantage of the wind because of Norwich's strong defense and ball possession. With three minutes left, Norwich attempted to get on the scoreboard on a penalty kick from 10 meters out, but the ball sailed to the right of post. The Cadets trailed 8-0 at halftime.
Yale extended its lead to 13-0 just four minutes into the second stanza as the Bulldogs took advantage of an overload.
Just a few minutes later, Norwich flyhalf Matt Burke burst down the middle of the pitch for the Cadets' first try. Tom Hansen converted, and the Yale lead was sliced to 13-7.
After the ensuing kickoff, Norwich got deep into Yale's zone, and the Bulldogs were called for a penalty. For almost 15 minutes Norwich continues to pressure Yale, but cannot finish.
Yale extended its edge to 20-7 with just nine minutes to play. The Cadets would not go down without a fight, however, as they grabbed a lineout, and drove the maul for a score. The try was placed down by scrumhalf John Lupo. Unfortunately, just after the try, the whistle blew to signal both the end of the match and the season.
"The last three weeks the boys have scored at the final whistle," said NU head coach Bob Weggler. "These young men, over the course of the season, have battled, bonded as a team, and developed their rugby skills. Their character is second to none. They have so much to be proud of and to build on."
