COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Norwich University rugby team traveled to St. Michael's College to take on the Purple Knights for three thirty minute sessions. The Cadets came out on top, 13-8.

It did not take long for Norwich to get on the scoreboard. Just after the kickoff, Byron Steuber dashed weak side and dove in for the try. Less than one minute into the contest, the Cadets took a 5-0 lead. Norwich was penalized in the seventh minute, and St. Michael's converted a penalty kick to trim the Cadets' lead to 5-3.

Near the end of the first 30-minute session, St. Michael's was whistled for a penalty, and Antonio Marigliano's kick sailed between the posts to give Norwich an 8-3 advantage.

The only scoring in the second session came from Norwich's Josh Reid, who alertly broke through the defense for a try. After 60 minutes of action, the Cadets led 13-3.

Norwich had 14 replacements enter the match for the final 30-minute session, with 11 of that contingent being freshmen. St. Michael's, also working with a young squad, scored an unconverted try at the 13-minute mark to close the gap. The Cadets were able to display fine effort to the final whistle and earn the hard-fought victory.

"Both sides displayed good effort and positive rugby development," said Norwich head coach Bob Weggler.

The Cadets host Dartmouth's second side on Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m.