Calvin College defeated Hillsdale rugby 54-0 in the second match of the season, bringing the Charger record to 0-2.
Calvin, with its veteran lineup, controlled the ball the majority of the match.
“Calvin is fundamentally sound and just the best rugby team in our division, period. Last weekend gave us a good opportunity to play the best competitors, gain experience, and learn together,” said Matteo Moran, club treasurer.
Calvin has yet to lose a match for the 2012 fall season.
The newcomers on the Hillsdale team rose to the challenge. Largely comprised of beginners, the team banded together and demonstrated effective teamwork under pressure that did not go unnoticed by veteran players.
“Our scrums and tackles were something we did extremely well on. … Everyone can be happy with that. Everyone who has played together before is really impressed with the new guys,” junior back Josiah Young said.
The Chargers capitalized on the opportunity to defend their end of the field—shutting down Calvin’s try attempts on several occasions.
“Our Saturday defense played phenomenally. We were winning scrums, rucking better, and gaining game experience. Those were the goals going into the game. We are still rebuilding and redeveloping our core. We just need more time,” Moran said.
As an improvement strategy, the Hillsdale rugby club plans to spend more time together—on and off the field.
“We hope to increase to two additional practices on our weekly schedule. Both days would involve sevens scrimmaging, working on hands, supporting guys into the ruck, and moving the ball down the field. We have also planned to increase conditioning drills at practices,” junior Josh McGehee said.
These extra practices are also aimed at bonding players during the upcoming week, which the team said they hope to translate to the field. Group meals, post-practice rituals, and communication between players will contribute to the overall success of the team, some of the athletes said.
Hillsdale heads to Hope College on Sept. 29 to compete in its third rugby match of the year. During the 2011-2012 season, Hillsdale went 1-1 against Hope, intensifying Saturday’s rivalry. “This weekend will be rough on our forwards. We can win a lot more possessions. Then it’s really going to be up to the backs,” McGehee said. “You don’t want to miss this one— support the team.”
