MEN'S RUGBY

October 24, 2009

Men’s Rugby: Norwich Falls To Boston University, 17-7, In NERFU Playoffs

BOSTON - The seventh-seeded Norwich Cadets traveled to historic Nickerson Field to take on the second-seeded Boston University Terriers in the first round of NERFU Collegiate Div. II playoffs on Saturday afternoon. The Cadets took an early 7-0 lead, but the Terriers responded en route to a 17-7 victory.

The previous week, BU put up 72 points, so the Cadets knew they were in for a challenge. Norwich came out of blocks with something to prove and dominated ball possession for most of the first half.

Junior loose head prop Joey-Mac Dizon scored the first try of the misty afternoon at the 20-minute mark. This was a result of Norwich winning BU's scrum at the five-meter line. Freshman fullback Chris Hein converted to put Norwich up 7-0.

The Terriers scored in the right corner of the in-goal in the 32nd minute to close the gap to 7-5. The half ended with Norwich contesting hard throughout general play but only coming away with seven points.

BU took the lead for the first time, 10-5, in the 55th minute. Norwich's clearing kick was blocked near their own 22-meter line which the Terriers picked up and quickly got wide to their wing. This turnover try came while the Terriers had a player in the sin bin. It also seemed to spark life into the BU squad and swing the momentum to the Terriers.

In the 67th minute, BU's fullback broke through Norwich's defensive backline and scored to seal the victory. This put the Terriers up 17-7 with just 13 minutes remaining.

Norwich, effectively lead by senior Naval ROTC captain Mike Presseau, was unable to respond with more points. The Cadets fought hard to the final whistle but came up short.

"We came ready to play today, but BU capitalized on one turnover deep in our end and two lapses in our backline defense," said Norwich head coach Bob Weggler. "It is a tough one to swallow, but we have enormous opportunity for growth as Norwich student-athletes. Our young Cadets have so much to be proud of and can hold their heads high."