Harvard Rugby Football Club

On the road for the first official game of the season, Harvard’s first and second XV traveled to West Point with hopes of a repeat victory from last fall. Coming off a week of pre-season camp, Harvard faced off against the cadets on a humid and overcast day along the banks of the Hudson River. Feeling prepared, confident, and excited to play, Harvard’s first XV took the field ready to play.

Early on, however, Army demonstrated tenacity and hustle, hitting rucks in numbers and running hard with support through the Harvard defensive line. The cadet’s strong north-south running proved effective as they blasted a try into the corner to take a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Shaken up by this quick start, Harvard succumbed to another try by the Army backline swiftly moving the ball through the hands. Undeterred, Harvard bounced back with the help of fly-half Jonny Miller ’10, who effectively moved the ball up the field into Army territory. With a cadet penalty, Miller kicked through the uprights for three points to put Harvard on the boards.

Army’s six weeks of team training proved to be an effective counter-measure to Harvard’s attempt to gain the upper-hand after an early 12-3 deficit. Despite strong pressure defense and low tackling by Harvard, notably lock Brock Corbett ’10 and prop Nery Porras ’09, the Crimson could not capitalize on Army knock-ons. Army’s scrum marched down the field, effectively wheeling Harvard and putting up a committed performance in open field rucks. Though Harvard centers David Renteln ’11 and Dan Deighton ’10 demonstrated superior open field running to the Army backline, Harvard failed to obtain secure ball and continually lost possession.

Following two Army tries, Miller swung the ball out to fullback T.J. Brennan ’10 to make a 20 meter run and secure ball. With a quick, recycled ball whipped out to rookie winger Khaki Burke ’10, Harvard took a glimpse at a potential come back. Burke secured the ball and dashed down the field for a 50 meter try, cutting the Army backline into pieces and injecting confidence back into the Crimson spirit. Jonny Miller ’10 converted the try and placed Harvard within two tries of Army.

Unable to overcome the point deficit, Army’s determined and trained team touched down for another score and conversion, finalizing the score at 30-11. Though beaten, Harvard left West Point knowing what to work on in the coming weeks. Next on the circuit: Dartmouth at Harvard, 09/20/08.