Coming off a pleasant and informative scrimmage with Bates (only some teeth and toes roughed up), us ruggers had a beautiful week of practice. The team worked mainly on attacking structure and attacking speed. Backs and Forwards would split, and in drills for hands/quick play, the Forwards did better? That is right, the current forwards have better hands than our Backs.
Alongside practice, planning for the big weekend continued. Coach Gareth forbade the E-word at team events, but that did not stop togas from being bought. The selection this year may have been the best ever. With the addition of a Hobby Lobby in Brunswick, there was a plethora of choices for our lovely Rooks. After a rainy practice Thursday night, the team was able to take in the wisdom from the greats of D-Day, Hoover, Otter, and, of course, Bluto.
We found zen and extra stretching with some much needed yoga (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) on the Friday before our opening game. The team rested well for the big day ahead. Saturday morning came with breakfast at Moulton. Our bus took off for Waterville at 11am.
The game against Thomas was scrappy, messy, and, at times, gross. Despite questionable play by our adversaries and confusing calls, we adjusted to the gamestyle and found what worked after the second half started. Yet, a second battle emerged, an internal one. With our excitement to smash some Terriers, we forgot how to get low, and for a good chunk of time we had 13 players on the field. After a few yellows, one of our courageous freshmen joined the party, high-tackling a Thomas player, which led to a red card. We held our heads and continued on, only allowing one corner try during the 20 minute span. Finally, the ball was kicked out, and your BRFC won the day 24-17. If one were to consult a dictionary, this match would be found in the definition of grit.
We packed our way on to the bus in haste, to 1) Get the hell out of Waterville, and 2) start our great festivity. When we arrived, rather than taking a much needed shower, a few of us raced across the Brunswick area to make the final touches, including picking up 3 metal cylinders from Topsham. We all reunited outside of Thorne in our exotic togas ready to do what had to be done. Through the packed Thorne, we ran our laps exclaiming “Toga Toga…” Graham was given the honor of our herald, and invited the people to our 69th annual Epicuria.
The party itself, well that is for another time, but I am sure you remember the picture.
We hope to see many of you this weekend for Homecoming, and if not, we know you wish you were here.
Written by John Donoghue ‘27, BRFC President
Edited by Ben Su ‘27, BRFC Captain
