2008 Woodie Awards
HBS Rugby Old Boys Show that Experience is Better than Youth
Alumni return for festive reunion weekend
By Chris Trimble (KSG), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Sports
|
Despite never having played before as a team, the alumni came out in full force and showed that they weren't back in Allston just to admire the trophy cases in Spangler. Big hits were put in by both sides from the moment the whistle was blown. Chris Gordon (HBS '01) took advantage of a complacent young boys team with some quick foot work to score a try in the opening five minutes. Liam Patrick (HBS '07) also exploited a sleepy young boy back line with some well placed kicks deep in young boys territory. His quick reaction earned the old boys' second score when he managed to touch down a ball that had been kicked back into the try zone. He converted both tries to make the score 14-0 in just ten minutes.
After a frantic start, the young boys started to settle down and find their rhythm. The forwards led by Randy Goldstein (OD) started controlling the ball from rucks and mauls much better, allowing scrum-half James Joun (ND) to provide the backs with some running opportunities. Doug Haber (NE) continued to display the rugby savvy show in the first three games of the season, with some clever plays and kicks from fullback which eventually earned him the first try for the young boys to get their score board ticking, which he also converted.
The momentum of the young boys continued and despite some huge old boy hits, in particular from the infamous Derek "Double D" Mendez (HBS '03) and Molonai Hola (OPM '04), and very wet conditions which made the ball nearly impossible to hold onto, the backs continued to run aggressive plays at the old boys. With Carl Allen (HKS) moved to fly-half and Chris Trimble (HKS) and Evan Engstrom (HLS) running in the centers, the young boys were starting to look strong. Engstrom made several breaks with powerful running from outside center, including one run down the wing, breaking six tackles to score the young boys' second try, which was converted by Haber.
As they began to grow tired, the old boys adopted some interesting interpretations of their positions and tackling conventions. Warren Valdmanis (HBS '02), old boys captain and hooker, was frequently found back in fullback position covering kicks, and one tackle from Chuck Hill (HBS '68) may threaten the future Goldstein blood line…
Be the first to comment on this story