Match report by coach Justin Evans

Despite quite a few injuries, BU headed to Babson on Saturday with a strong squad of 40 players. On a superb field and facing a team who had notched an impressive 30 point win the previous week, BU came out with real intensity. Hard running and great support play from the forwards saw a very one-sided first few minutes with lapses in concentration in contact preventing the visitor's from scoring. After a brief foray into the BU half and a missed penalty attempt, Babson found themselves defending again, and after a series of phases the ball was worked to Freshman Nick Vornle who raced over to score. Captain Jon Brosnahan converted to put us in front 7-0.

Although slow out of the blocks, Babson began to exercise increasing authority and a powerful backrow was giving the BU plenty of defence work to do. The scrum was intensely contested with both teams winning against the head, wheeling, and shunting each other back. No further score in the half reflected the parity between the teams.

Despite a huge tackle count from 3Pete and Joji in particular, the BU defence was finally breached following a well worked lineout move from Babson. A failed conversion attempt kept our slender lead. BU hit back with their best passage of play of the game and worked the ball to Ben who touched down in the corner to send us into a seven point lead with about ten minutes left.

Babson never looked like they were going to roll-over easily and intercepted a ball in the midfield to score . The conversion was missed to leave us defending a 2 point lead. A tense finale saw both sides committing penalties and unforced errors but the BU side gave everything to make sure victory was theirs 12-10!!!!

Although we committed plenty of errors and too many penalties, the boys showed great determination, excellent support play and some unbelievable one on one tackling. Looking forward to next week's trip to William's College.

The B-side were immediately under pressure from a far bigger Babson pack but weathered the storm to hit back with a try from Mike Younis. Babson leveled just before half time but tries from Tristan and Freshman Matt after a trademark burst through the midfield ensured a well deserved 19-10 win. The win was particularly pleasing as no fewer than 12 rookies played and all showed great team spirit.

Although a young squad - just 4 0f the 40 who played are seniors, the team has shown great character and is starting to feel comfortable playing an expansive game. Good to see Ski on the sidelines and hopefully see a few more of you on October 8 for our next home game.