MEN'S RUGBY

Men's Rugby: NU Defeats Middlebury, 10-7, In Scrimmage

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich entertained Middlebury for its second scrimmage of the 2008 season on Thursday afternoon. An evenly-played and hard-fought match ensued with the host Cadets securing a 10-7 victory.

It did not take long for the 2006 Div. II USA Rugby National Champions Middlebury to get on the scoreboard. The Panthers took advantage of Norwich's defense to create a six on two overlap at its flank. Middlebury's winger scampered 50 meters for the try to take a 7-0 lead just 20 seconds into the match.

The Norwich defense stiffened and on attack put pressure deep into Middlebury's territory. At the 20-minute mark, junior second row Kaleb Roberts at the ruck surged over for the try. The conversion was missed, and Middlebury took an 8-5 lead into halftime.

Norwich continued to improve its defense and shut out the Panthers in the final 30 minutes of play. Inside Middlebury's 22-meter line, off a backline attack, flyhalf Matt Burke busted through a gap in the defense and placed the ball down between the posts. The conversion was missed.  Fifteen minutes into the second stanza Norwich takes the lead, and the Cadets held on for the 10-7 victory.

"We displayed more organization and aggression on defense today," said NU head coach Bob Weggler. "It was good to see our boys keep their spirits high, after giving up such a quick soft try. This type of character development is crucial to our regular season performance."

Norwich has another opportunity to learn and develop during its last preseason contest on Saturday, Sept. 6, when the Cadets face Brown University at home at 1 p.m.