CULPEPER, Va.- Over the weekend, the Norwich Men's Rugby team competed in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) National Tournament.

Their first opponent on Friday was UNC-Wilmington. The Cadets scored early, getting the ball out to the wing and scoring in the corner for an unconverted try. Soon after Norwich added another try by flyhalf Logan Perry. Before the half, Norwich extended their lead with one more try by second row Hunter Puleo.

In the second half, Norwich would extend their lead to ten with another try by Puleo, before the Seahawks closed the margin to 15-10. Soon after, the Cadet lead was extended when winger Greydon Bleu busted through a gap inside the 22-meter line to place it down for the try with captain Marius Edwards converting. Puleo would score is third try of the day with a pick and go on the weak side off the ruck, set up by a dynamic counterattack by fullback Jacob Sherman. The Seahawks scored one more unconverted try late to bring the final score to 27-15.

With the win, Norwich would draw Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in the elite eight, with the Crimson Hawks coming off a romp of Scranton in their sweet sixteen match-up. IUP jumped out to the early lead with a try and added two more tries soon after to take a 19-point lead 32 minutes into the match. The Cadets would get on the board with a try by tight head prop Will Moulton, and a conversion by Edwards. By halftime, IUP would get another try, unconverted to take a 24-7 lead into the break. 

The Cadets had momentum coming out of halftime with Edwards scoring an unconverted try to close the gap. However, IUP would pad the lead minutes later with a penalty kick. Edwards added another try as the two sides went back-and-forth. Eventually, the Crimson Hawks  answered  with a back ploy try off a middle scrum between the posts. Sonny Mamarro added a try towards the end off a pick at the ruck close to the in-goal which Edwards finished off with a tough conversion from the corner, finishing the day with 16 points. 

"This team has prepared during training and film sessions for three months," said Head Coach Bob Weggler. "They left it all on the pitch, competing to the final whistle against a very strong IUP squad. What more can you ask as a coach?"

The Cadets finished their 15s schedule with a 7-2 record, and their sixth appearance in the elite eight;