Published on Friday, November 24, 2006
Coach's Note Fall 2006
Dear Alumni, It is with great pleasure that I forward you a report of this
past fall season. We set ourselves a target of improving not only on last
year's playoff spot but also our general standards of play, particularly
with regards to ball retention and continuity.
Following victories in 2 warm up games our first opponents were perennial
division winners/runners up, Middlebury. Despite playing some highly
physical, intense rugby for the first 50 minutes we eventually were beaten
by a better team. Next up was UVM, and BU only really started playing the
kind of rugby of which they are capable when the game was already lost and
consequently suffered a second successive defeat.
So with no points from the first two games we needed to win our next three
to stand any chance of making the playoffs. A trip to Babson provided us
with the opportunity to get back into winning ways. As the game wore on BU
became increasingly confident with the ball in hand. Forwards and backs
combining in a few sweeping moves which resulted in tries being scored from
well inside our own half. A very impressive display produced 9 tries and a
56-15 scoreline against a team we had defeated by just 2 points the previous
season.
St. Michael's were our next opponents, and despite a slow start, we secured
a 26-22 victory including a bonus point for scoring 4 tries.
A victory against our final opponent of the group would secure a playoff
berth. We however had to host St. Williams College, a team who had beaten us
on our last two meetings. BU were able to dominate possessionally and
territorially, and came away with a deserved 12-0.
The good news: a play off spot. The less good news: game at Middlebury,
winners of the entire conference. BU however showed no signs of nerves nor
the 4 hour bus journey as they appeared hungrier and more confident than the
opposition. We looked good value for our slender half time lead and the
possibility of a major shock was on the cards. However, Middlebury began to
find their rhythym and with the aid of some very one sided referring were
able to prevail. Although disappointing, without doubt it was the best
performance of the season and to run a team so close that went onto win the
entire competition for the North East was very satisfying.
The season was not finished. A convincing 29-7 win over Bates and finally a
25-15 victory for our rookies against our rivals "from across the river"
capped a successful fall campaign.
For the spring we have a string of fixtures lined up including the Beanpot
which pits us against a step up in standard, with the likes of Harvard, BC,
and NorthEastern.
With the setback of last spring behind us, we aim to recruit again in the
spring and will be concentrating on organising a tour to Italy in August for
pre-season training, team bonding and to act as a recruitment tool. I have
spoken to former teammates and coaches in Northern Italy who are willing to
accommodate and help us so this is a very real goal for next year.
I hope you are all well and look forward to catching up with you soon.
Sincerely, Justin Evans
past fall season. We set ourselves a target of improving not only on last
year's playoff spot but also our general standards of play, particularly
with regards to ball retention and continuity.
Following victories in 2 warm up games our first opponents were perennial
division winners/runners up, Middlebury. Despite playing some highly
physical, intense rugby for the first 50 minutes we eventually were beaten
by a better team. Next up was UVM, and BU only really started playing the
kind of rugby of which they are capable when the game was already lost and
consequently suffered a second successive defeat.
So with no points from the first two games we needed to win our next three
to stand any chance of making the playoffs. A trip to Babson provided us
with the opportunity to get back into winning ways. As the game wore on BU
became increasingly confident with the ball in hand. Forwards and backs
combining in a few sweeping moves which resulted in tries being scored from
well inside our own half. A very impressive display produced 9 tries and a
56-15 scoreline against a team we had defeated by just 2 points the previous
season.
St. Michael's were our next opponents, and despite a slow start, we secured
a 26-22 victory including a bonus point for scoring 4 tries.
A victory against our final opponent of the group would secure a playoff
berth. We however had to host St. Williams College, a team who had beaten us
on our last two meetings. BU were able to dominate possessionally and
territorially, and came away with a deserved 12-0.
The good news: a play off spot. The less good news: game at Middlebury,
winners of the entire conference. BU however showed no signs of nerves nor
the 4 hour bus journey as they appeared hungrier and more confident than the
opposition. We looked good value for our slender half time lead and the
possibility of a major shock was on the cards. However, Middlebury began to
find their rhythym and with the aid of some very one sided referring were
able to prevail. Although disappointing, without doubt it was the best
performance of the season and to run a team so close that went onto win the
entire competition for the North East was very satisfying.
The season was not finished. A convincing 29-7 win over Bates and finally a
25-15 victory for our rookies against our rivals "from across the river"
capped a successful fall campaign.
For the spring we have a string of fixtures lined up including the Beanpot
which pits us against a step up in standard, with the likes of Harvard, BC,
and NorthEastern.
With the setback of last spring behind us, we aim to recruit again in the
spring and will be concentrating on organising a tour to Italy in August for
pre-season training, team bonding and to act as a recruitment tool. I have
spoken to former teammates and coaches in Northern Italy who are willing to
accommodate and help us so this is a very real goal for next year.
I hope you are all well and look forward to catching up with you soon.
Sincerely, Justin Evans