HRFC vs Northeastern University
| Type: | League |
|---|---|
| Location: | Home |
| Date: | 10/04/08 |
| Time: | 1:00PM |
| Outcome: | Win |
| Score: | 31-12 |
Back on the pitch and under the sun after some rough weather post-poned’s Harvard’s third match against the Boston College Eagles, the Crimson took on the Northeastern Maddogs on a muddy field on a blustery day along the Charles. Determined to kick into gear and get back on track, Harvard began the game with three objectives: speed, aggression, and teamwork.
On the opening drive, Harvard set the early tone with stonewall defense and strong rucking. This effort yielded great rewards as prop Nery Porras ‘09 touched down for the opening try. Fly-half Jonny Miller ’10 slotted in for the conversion and the Crimson moved ahead 7-0 on the day. Focusing on blitzkrieg efforts following each try, the Harvard backline then came alive. A confident pass spun out to center Dan Deighton ’10 pulled Harvard further away from Northeastern.
At 12-0, the first XV kept composure and set forth on an offensive rally to close out the half. Leading by example, loosehead prop standout Charlie Boutwell ’10 was integral to the pack’s dominance at the set piece. After wheeling the Huskies’ scrum, flanker Melusi Dlamini ’10 secured the ball off a line out and dove confidently through the fray, touching down for Harvard’s third and final try of the first half.
Heading into the second half, the Crimson were determined to stand their ground. With hard offensive rucking and secure ball, Quenton Craddock ’08 put on a marvelous display, crashing and spinning through six Northeastern tackles and touching down for a score. The Huskies seemed to gain momentum midway through the half, touching down for two unanswered tries until Deighton ’10 broke through the line and crashed into the try zone, securing Harvard’s victory. Next on the circuit: Harvard at Norwich, 10/11/08
