MIDDBLEBURY, Vt. – The Norwich Men's Rugby team traveled to Middlebury College on Saturday to take on the #3 Panthers.

With a 34-0 halftime lead, the Panthers looked to have full control of their destiny, but the Cadets refused to be taken down easily. Taking to the pitch in the second half, the Cadets earned one try to Middlebury's three as the competition's intensity rose to a new level.

"Despite the heavy loss," head coach Bob Weggler said, "the players showed great effort through the final whistle and took away a lot of lessons on the day."

Middlebury has been crowned national champions twice in the last four years of their program.

Next in line for the Cadets will be the Purple Knights of Saint Michael's College. The Maroon and Gold will battle it out on the 300's Field at Saint Michael's at 1 p.m. on Saturday.