Men's rugby snags second championship in three years Wins over Georgetown, Wisconsin-Madison propel team to national title

Author: Tommy Mayell

Count another championship for the rugby men of Middlebury. The Middlebury Rugby club defeated Georgetown 45-18 in the semifinals and Wisconsin-Madison 27-11 in the finals to capture their second Division II national championship in three years. The Panthers overcame a halftime deficit in the semis and withstood a comeback attempt in the finals on their way to the national title.

In the semis, Middlebury scored first, only to watch Georgetown counter with a long run for a try. Neither try was converted, and the match was knotted at 5-5. In the early going, Middlebury looked stronger and kept the ball out of Georgetown's hands for the most part. Later in the half, however, Georgetown began to outplay Middlebury in the scrums. The Panthers accumulated penalties at the ruck, one of which the Hoyas converted for a free kick. Middlebury trailed 8-5 at the half.

The Panthers emerged from halftime a different team, both in their lineup and in their actual play. Senior captain Max Levine '09 moved back to the 9 position he played prior to this season, while Brian Sirkia '12.5 moved to center. Middlebury scored first in the half, as Sirkia put the Panthers up 12-8. Despite a penalty that forced the Panthers to play a man down for 10 minutes, Middlebury scored twice during the power play and never looked back on their way to a 40 point half and a 45-18 victory.

"In the first half we were acting unexperienced," said Levine. "In the second half we went from trying to make the extra pass and going for the big hits to keeping possession. We were able to develop some set plays and started scoring."

Their stellar second-half play led them to the championship match against Wisconsin-Madison. Once again, Middlebury scored first with a penalty kick by Sirkia, but the Badgers countered with a penalty kick of their own. Spencer Paddock '09 then put the Panthers up 10-3 with the first try of the game. The Panthers continued to apply pressure as a one-handed pass from Trey Stewart '09 set up Ed Cahill '09 for a try, giving Middlebury a 15-3 advantage at the half.

Both teams came out battling in the second half, with Middlebury pinning Wisconsin on their own 22. Ross Berriman '12 blocked a kick and was tripped on his way to picking up the ball, but Sirkia was able to gather the ball for a try and a 20-3 Panther advantage. This gave Middlebury a substantial advantage and it seemed a championship was in sight, but 30 minutes of tough rugby remained to be played.

The Badgers attempted a comeback, beginning with a quick penalty kick to narrow the margin to 14.

Wisconsin continued to battle using their pack and strong play from their forwards. Middlebury's frontrowmen - Israel Carr '09, Chris Mutty '09.5 and Chris Vandergrift '11 - fought relentlessly in the rucks against a strong Wisconsin line. The Badgers maintained possession throughout a series of rucks, however, leading to a Wisconsin try and a score of 20-11.

Wisconsin's next scoring attempt was foiled as the Badger player in possession knocked the ball on in the endzone, resulting in a failed try attempt. The Panthers responded with four substitutions, bringing Dan Chow '09, Robert Gosney '09, Zach Bills '11 and Geoff Kalan '12.5 into the action. The substitutions brought new energy to the Panthers, and Middlebury took control of the game and penetrated deep into Wisconsin's territory. The Panthers had the last say as Levine emerged from the ruck and ran his way to a 27-11 Middlebury victory.

"We played a great second half," said Levine. "The whole weekend was about team play."

The Panthers end the year undefeated at15-0, including their second DII national championship in three years. What's more, the Panther men formed indelible friendships throughout months of training, competing and bonding.

"It's been more than a sport, more than a team," said Levine of his four years with the MCRC. "It's really transcended the competition. All the seniors feel the same way."