MCRC Busts Loose - BU First To Fall

JJ Jude Out in Front in Pregame Haka - Harasimowicz Photo

Saturday, Sep 16, 2006, Boston:

In a show of team unity the Middlebury College Rugby Club started the 2006 season true to form. After falling behind in the first quarter 15-10 (no, that's NOT the true-to-form part) the Panthers shook off the rust of inactivity and cruised methodically to a 58-15 win over the hopeful Terriers of Boston University on the artificial turf of Nickerson Field. In my four years of watching the MCRC this is the first game played on artificial turf. And I missed it -I'll bet the players won't.

Coming off of last years’ 47-7 opening season loss, the Terriers had to be feeling confident early on. It was not to be as the Panther game we are used to seeing roared to life. Ellen Harasimowicz, Photographer and Mom of Jeff summed it up as “…classic MCRC brilliance.”

Ellen provided the following fabulous shots from the game. I hope to get some play by play from the game from some of you Reporter Parents in attendance... Ike, you have anything for me?? Ward, anybody? Hopefully game comments will be posted soon.


Cox Perfecting Terrier Hip Throw - Harasimowicz Photo

Game Comments From Ike Levine: (italicized)
"First ten minutes was sloppy and full of hesitancy but the rust wore off and the forwards picked up the pace and intensity. I believe the scrum won four balls off the tighthead, and the forwards forced three scrum rotation violations. ( As you can see, Ike knows Rugby and the colorful nomenclature...)


Volz Scores Valuable Points With Double Leg Takedown
(Matty Being Matty) - Harasimowicz Photo

"Great game by Matt Volz to keep the ball moving, fabulous defense and an uncanny knack for knowing when to duck just prior to being pummelled. [sic]"


Jeff Harasimowicz On Way to Second Try -Harasimowicz Photo

"New Offense has succeeded in getting significantly more ball to centers and wings which forces the forwards to be more active in following the ball for second and third phase rugby."

Highlight Film Needed Here...
"Speed kills: Middlebury outside center intercepts BU backline passing sequence for an uncontested 70 meter try under the posts."


Volz Outlet Pass -Harasimowica Photo

"End of game (almost) Spartacus [Craig Wilson] 15 punts the ball directly into touch, 15 rows into the seats to the Middlebury support fans section of the stadium, only to be told by the ref the match wasn't finished -we were now in injury time."


Levine Terrierized - Children Flee Scene -Harasimowicz Photo

Define "Pretzelling"
"Got to put a plug in for Max [Levine '09] [This was his] first A side match at 9, he struggled first 5-10 minutes with a major pretzelling by an offside wing forward but he discarded his head gear, got his mojo back and broke the match open during the 15-15 tie with a 50 meter run and kick that ended with a try."

"His mother opened her eyes five minutes after the play to ask "is he still alive?"

You can be sure I'll be posting more "Ike" play-by-play commentary of future MCRC matches.
Next up: MCRC at Williams College, Williamstown, MASS, Saturday 23. Check the schedule for start time.