The Yale University Rugby Football Club

YALE 3 - Alumni RFC 56

After two training sessions, Yale entered their second game of tour confident and ready to prove their abilities. Playing under lights and in cooler conditions, Yale sought to level their tour record and provide the club with a boost ahead of their spring season.

Facing a much stronger opposition than Champagnat, Yale was to play much of the match on the back foot. From the outset Yale failed to maintain possession. Strong tackling and rucking from Alumni meant Yale was starved of possession. Alumni’s quick backs and dynamic forwards linked up consistently to keep Yale moving backwards.

Strong tackling from flanker Andy Beck ’09, and centers Drew Palin ’06 and Jack Mahoney ’07, kept Yale in the game. Falling down 14 points early, Yale managed to launch several attacks of their own and were to eventually put their first points of the match on the board through a penalty from winger Bobby Cardone ’06.

Strong tactical kicking allowed Yale to get in behind Alumni several more times as the half wore on, but Alumni’s composure and structure prevented Yale from utilizing the opportunities presented them.

The second half was to prove a greater challenge for Yale. As Alumni grew in confidence, their fluidity improved and they were able to better exploit Yale’s weaknesses. Yale did not succumb however. Playing with more heart than ever before, Yale’s young squad did not give up. Every player tackled with great intensity and never gave up on getting on scoring a try themselves.

Particular leadership was shown by newly elected Captain Jack Mahoney ’07, who played the best game of his career. Leading by example Mahoney made every tackle count and gave everything he could on attack. Yale’s lineouts were to again prove stellar, not losing any on their own throw.

Despite the final scoreline, Yale knew they had given everything they had. Yale’s fitness was much better than in the previous match against Champagnat, and the heart shown by the club was exactly what was needed prior to the spring season. Learning a lot from both games, Yale is confident their spring season will be a great success.