MCRC Sets Course for Amherst

Tyler Williams '06 In Rigorous Ruck

Team Cruises in Autopilot Win Over Vassar 60-5
Will Face URI on Saturday 11/12 at 2:00pm

In quartefinal action against Vassar College this past Sunday the Middlebury College men's rugby team set about the business of advancing to the November 12 Northeast Region semifinals in Amherst with a decisive game plan: score early and score often.


Tommy Heitkamp '06.5 Scores First of Three Trys

With their talented and increasingly experienced roster of 'off the bench' players performing as fluidly as the starters they replaced, the team was ready to continue the pace set in their fabulous wins ten days ago in the New England championships. And they left nothing to chance.


Brewers Were Effective Early Stopping Fullback Craig Wilson '07.5


Lock 'Moose' Yoquinto '08 Engages With Eyes Wide Shut

Overall offensive strength, determined and confident play from the backs, rigorous scrumming from the front line and blanketing pressure on the Brewer running backs limited the options for the overmatched Vassar club.


Cal Garner '06 Battles For Post-Scrum Possession


Brewer With Superb Hand Strength Slows Williams '06

Early in the match Vassar seemed to rattle the MCRC game plan with effective mauling landing them close to the Middlebury goal line. But a couple of decisive plays by the Panther back line including a timely clearing kick from fullback Craig Wilson erased the early threat. After three early Panther trys the team started looking more relaxed.


Williams '06 Sets Up Next Phase As Teammates Support

Vassar managed few offensive yards in a game dominated by Middlebury's abitlity to capitalize on mistakes and apply pressure where needed. Midd's outside defensive backs continually shut down Vassar's wide runs allowing the always-reliable interior tacklers to go to work.
More to follow soon.



Northeast Territory semi-final match play will be at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst pitches on Mullins Way at the Athletic Fields South starting Saturday 11/12/05 in the morning. Middlebury's match is at 2:00pm. CLICK HERE FOR CAMPUS MAP

For another take on this game, read the comments of head coach Tony Brown of the Vassar College RFC by clicking here.