Harvard Rugby Football Club

Midway through a three-game week, Harvard’s First XV traveled across town to face rival Boston College on a stormy, late afternoon in Boston. Right from the start Harvard took admirable control from the game. With strong multi-phase ball into the Eagle’s end, all BC could do was kick the pill down the field. A new showing, however, from the back three prevented this BC tactic from gaining any ground. With strong and decisive running, Ricky Pellegrini ’10 and Jonathan Kola ’12 put on a show for the opposing wingers.

Despite a surge from the Harvard pack, the game remained scoreless through the first half. With the start of the second half, both teams stepped back onto a darkening pitch. Putting a few phases together and taking advantage of a penalty, the Eagles broke through the Harvard defense and touched down for a converted try. Unbroken, the men of Harvard fought onward.

Notable performances from the junior leaders of the pack, Charlie Boutwell, Melousi Dlamini, Jack Kearney, and Brock Corbett, all of whom were vital to the Harvard dominance at the ruck. Securing a high ball deep in the Harvard zone, fullback T.J. Brennan ’10 ran ferociously through the Eagle defense, breaking tackles in order to whip the ball out to winger Ricky Pellegrini ’10, to touch down for an unconverted try.

With three minutes to go, BC led Harvard 7-5. Despite bruising runs by Quenton Craddock ’09 and Teddy Barron ’11, the Crimson could not secure the try in the Eagle red zone. Held up twice by the BC defense, Nery Porras ’09 came within inches of securing the last minute victory for Harvard.

When the whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, Harvard walked off the field with passion. The Crimson surely put on a performance victory but were unable to secure the outcome victory.

The next game versus UCONN is a must win for the first XV if they wish to continue on to the NERFU playoffs and hopeful bid for Nationals. Next on the circuit: UCONN at Harvard, 10/28/08.