Match Report by Justin Evans
coach@burugby.com

BU hosted  URI on Saturday, eager to avenge a narrow defeat last spring. The visitors arrived with an enormous squad in terms of numbers and physical size. URI started the stronger, the forwards outmuscling their counterparts and gaining the majority of the possession. BU’s defensive organization and structure however was able to withstand a barrage of attacks as the visitors became frustrated in the face of such determined tackling.
After twenty minutes, one missed tackle in midfield allowed the URI centre to exploit the gap and cross the line to open the scoring. Although living off scant possession, the backline was beginning to look dangerous when given the opportunity. Fly half Alex Lin, marshaled the backs well and caused problems for the opposition with some great line breaks. It was no surprise when a late tackle on the playmaker left him hobbling and minutes later he had to leave. As the half wore on, the tackle count began to take its toll on the home side and a converted try on the stroke of half-time saw URI take a 12-0 lead.

At just two scores down, BU were still very much in the game. However, a series of quickly taken penalties paved the way for a further try for the visitors. At 19-0 the writing appeared on the wall for BU. However, a multi-phased attack on the blind side, assisted by close support allowed replacement Adam Brookland to score and give Nick Vornle the chance to add the extras for a 19-7 scoreline. Now with confidence in their play, BU spun the ball wide, set up quick ruck ball, and released left wing Ken Stern to run under the posts and bring the score to 19-14 with five minutes remaining. BU now threw everything into attack to gain the victory. A chip over the top from the BU stand in fly half was gathered by the URI fullback who took full advantage of the lack in defensive positioning of the home side to score a try and give URI a deserved, hard fought 26-14 win. Although desperately tough to lose when so close to making a superb comeback, an impressive defensive performance gives the team heart for the rest of the season.

The B-side also faced a very physical URI side. Again with five minutes to the final whistle they faced a seven point deficit. However, they were not to be denied, when a try and then successful conversion pegged the score back to 21-21 and preserved their unbeaten record for the season.

This Saturday we face Last Season’s National Division III champions Bentley College. Kick off is at 3pm at Nickerson. Hope to see some of you there. Thank you to JD for your offer of help with practices. If anyone else is interested please contact me.

Regards,  Justin Evans