NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich men's rugby team got a well earned 15-12 victory over the Univ. of Vermont on Saturday at the NU Dog River Rugby Pitch.

It was a battle to the very last whistle for the second time in two weeks. This time Norwich gets the win. Norwich scored two consecutive tries at the 13th and the 25th minute to take a 10 –0 lead.
The first try was scored by senior winger Anthony Nerio and the second try by senior flanker Andrew Guldin.

Five minutes later at the 30th minute UVM got on the scoreboard narrowing Norwich's lead to 10-5. On the ensuing kickoff UVM takes the ball down the pitch on a line break and that resulted in their second try of the day. The conversion gave UVM the slim 12-10 lead into halftime.

In the second half Norwich takes advantage of the wind and pins UVM down multiple times. After relentless pressure Norwich took the lead 15-12 at the 60th minute. Senior prop Justin Arseneau earned the try after an excellent go forward play by the pack.

Norwich's defense prevailed by shutting out UVM's attack for the entire second half. Key tackles where by senior center Vincent Falcone. UVM fought to the end. At the last play of the match Norwich scrum takes one against the head and clears to touch to seal their first victory of the NECRC season. Norwich is now 1-1 in conference play, 1-2 overall.

"The boys came ready to play today," said NU head coach Bob Weggler. "I told them that this was going to be an 80-minute game. The last three years of regular season the UVM match has come down to the closing minute. We are pleased that the last two years, along with last year's NECRC semi-final match, it has been the Cadets on top."

In the 90-minute second side match Norwich was victorious 5-3. The lone try scored was by sophomore second row Ian Shukis.

The Cadets play at Rhode Island next Saturday, Sept. 28. The kickoff time is not yet determined.

-CADETS-