Trinity Men's Rugby 2006 Season Review
Bantams Reach Beast of the East Finals

The men’s rugby team improved their spring record to 7-1 as they advanced to the Division 2 championship match last weekend in the 23rd Annual Beast of the East Collegiate Tournament held in Portsmouth RI. The “Beast” is billed as the largest collegiate tournament on the East coast with over 70 men’s/women’s teams competing over two days. Trinity went into the tournament 3-0 with wins over Babson (twice) and Williams.

After winning both matches on Saturday the team returned early Sunday and won their quarterfinal and semifinals matches. Trinity lost a hard fought battle to Providence College 3-17 in the championship game late Sunday afternoon. “In order to win this tournament a team has to win 5 challenging games over the weekend and we came up a little short in the final match. It was a tremendous effort all around by the whole team” mentioned Coach Bob Merola. “What was expected to be a rebuilding season has turned into one of the most rewarding.”

Trinity started their march to the championship game by beating Mass Maritime 27-5 and Union College 22-11 in  Saturday matches. Strong tackling and hard running by the forward pack set the tone early”said Coach Mike Fox.  “Jason Symmes ’09, Brian Dubiel ’06 and Capt. Jake Burns ’06 were all over the field”. The tactical kicking of flyhalf JP Yearwood ’07 kept the Mass Maritime and Union College players in their defensive half on the pitch for the majority of the game which allowed us to be aggressive on offense.”

Sunday’s quarter-final match against Hamilton kicked off at 10.am. and was more difficult than expected. Under gray skies and windy conditions the teams were tied at halftime 3-3. Shortly before halftime Hamilton appeared to be going in for a sure score but Trinity winger Geoff Simmon ’08 was able to tackle the ball carrier just as he crossed the goal line. “Simmon’s  hustle and determination not only stopped Hamilton from scoring but also turned out to be a game saving tackle” remarked Coach Merola. As the second half progressed the teams remained deadlocked at 3 until Burns turned the corner off a weakside ruck and sprinted 40 meters to score the game winning try with 10 minutes remaining. 

Next up for the Trinity ruggers was a tough and determined Keene State team. The winner of this match would advance to the championship game and Trinity wasted no time taking an early 5-0 lead as Dubiel bulled his way over the try line from a free kick at the 15 minute mark. Keene State managed to score off an intercepted pass right before halftime to tie the score at 5-5. While the Trinity forwards dominated the scrums and lineouts play (thanks to Billy Denniston ’06, Dave Millar 08 and John Damon 07) the Trinity backs continued  to contain the hard running centers from Keene. Trinity flankers Eric Viani ’06,  Jose Ramirez ’08 along with veteran scrumhalf Jeff Walker 08 tackled everyone who came their way.  Centers Ben Glerum ’06 and Bickford Brooks ‘08 were strong defensively in midfield and Andrew Otoshi ‘09 at fullback was well positioned to counter attack numerous downfield kicks.   First year players at wing Phil Almquist ’08 and Nick Kristner ’09 were solid in defense all weekend long.  Mid way through the second half Burns added two more penalty kicks to put Trinity ahead 11-5 and into the championship game.

After playing five games in two days bodies were sore and tight as players from Trinity and Providence took the field for the final match. Trinity went ahead 3-0 on a penalty kick by Burns and kept Providence pinned in their half of the field for most of the first half. With about 10 minutes remaining to halftime Providence stole a mid field scrum and ran in the first try of the match to take a 5-3 halftime lead. As the second half began the Providence forwards slowly began to take control of the match and were able to provide quality ball possession to their quick and aggressive backline. Providence captured the championship as they scored two more second half tries to win 17-3.

“Our roster included a number of first year players and key reserves of Andrew Malleta ‘09, Anthony Michetti ‘07,  Chris Pearson ‘07,  Andrew Chadie ‘07, Evan Seeman ’06, Alex Ross ‘06 and Ted Henderson ‘07 mentioned Coach Merola. “Everyone contributed, Coach Fox and I  were very pleased at our performance during this tournament.”   

 Trinity rugby finished their spring season with exciting come from behind 29-22 win over Western Connecticut RFC. The victory means the team ends season with a 9-1 record matching the best record ever for spring rugby. Trinity struggled  at the onset as Western came out running and quickly took a 10-0 lead.  The game looked even more in doubt as the home then lost two players to injuries. “We were suddenly forced to make some adjustments to our lineup and game plan” said Coach Merola. “We had to get our forwards running and playing more aggressive rugby.”  The changes seemed to work as Trinity prop Andrew Chadie bulled his way over for a try soon several minutes later. Jake Burns made the conversion and Trinity closed the margin to 10-7. Western however responded with another strong running movement and the lead increased to 15-7 with 15 minutes left in the first half. Trinity then showed their character and toughness as both Brian Dubiel and Jake Burns touched down tries and Trinity took a 19-15 lead at the half. “We needed to use the wind and our kicking game a littler more in the second half “ said Coach Mike Fox.. Western had some different ideas as they scored once again 10 minutes into the half and charged ahead 22-19. For the next 20 minutes Trinity had numerous scoring opportunities but couldn’t put up any points. Play moved back and forth down the pitch with neither team holding back. With 10 minutes left in the match Trinity flyhalf JP Yearwood made a dazzlingly 20 meter run to the try line and finally put Trinity ahead for good 26-22.  Burns soon added a penalty kick ending the match at 29-22.  “This game was really a sign of toughness and determination, the boys just didn’t want to lose. We always say that rugby is a hard game played by hard men.What a hard game and truly a great way to end a fabulous season” proclaimed Coach Merola. ”This wasn’t a game for the weak of heart “said Capt. Jake Burns. “I’m sure we gave the coaches a few more gray hairs. But it was worth it.!”