Fall Break (Montreal) and Colby

As a great September closed, the team entered October more experienced and excited for the second half of the season. After a better game against a strong Endicott side, practices mainly focused on improving on-field awareness, conditioning, and offensive structure. A focus on conditioning was needed as the beast of Montreal was knocking at the door.

Without a game, 29 members of the team (likely a record) left at around 6 am Saturday, October 10th. Well, we tried to. Some members of the team forgot Canada was as cold as Maine and forgot to bring long sleeves, and some forgot to set their alarm clock. Nevertheless, the 6 cars arrived at staggered times and found each other on the street in time to have lunch. After a few bars, we were able to check-in to our wonderful AirBnb. Made up of 38 bunk beds, it was exactly what the team needed for bonding. We made quick use of the patio out front. On Saturday night, a few of us went to a great Canadians game (0-0 into OT then shoot out). For the others, the author does not know and does not want to ask. Through the late night to morning, groups made their way back to the AirBnb with various levels of noise and coherence.

The boys were ready for Sunday. Many were up and at it by 8:30am and many by 10am. Some by 12pm. Groups were cobbled together in true the spirit of Montreal: who was awake and who wanted to get food. From there some went to Old Montreal, some to Mt Royal, some to the art museum, and all made it to a bar. The reservation for the critical Korean BBQ was made, and the team reunited. Unlike last year, KBBQ was much calmer and less eventful. That did not stop the boys from attempting to eat more of the buffet than they paid for (impossible). The team returned to the Airbnb with full stomachs and ready for justice. Grievances were aired, sentences were served. Our greatest offender, OK ‘28, took his penalties without grace and even tried to question the impartiality of the judge. After the administration of justice, the whole team set out to see more art, a moving kind of art. Despite some hiccups, we prevailed. We will cut this part here.

Monday morning we woke up from our quick naps and got moving. Some cars were moving very slowly. Eventually everyone was out on the road back to Brunswick. In typical fashion, the drive home was slightly rainy and dark. The next morning, many were outside playing rugby in the rain to get the blood pumping again.

Back at practice, the team continued to prepare for Colby. The focus this week was on overlaps for both defense and offense. On defense the goals were to apply pressure, to push the attack outside until there was no room, and get in front for a good tackle. On offense, the goals were to ensure communication and make the right passes. As the week progressed, both the backs and forwards improved their quick defense and offense. 

The game, now that is a story that is difficult for anyone to tell, but it is especially difficult for someone who was forced to watch from the sidelines to tell (what does a spleen even do?). BRFC came out ready. We kicked to them and were able to get the ball back quickly. We scored a try that was the epitome of how to score in rugby. The forwards condensed the defense, and the ball went wide to some nice hands and good speed. The ball was centered, and the conversion was made (thanks GW ‘28).

Colby responded with a try of their own to tie it up, but the boys were ready to answer. A nice, hard run up the middle put us back in front. Then came a long defensive stand. We had chances to stop them, but after plenty of hard work, Colby found a try just before halftime. Luckily for us, they missed the conversion, leaving BRFC up 14–12 at the break.

Unfortunately, the second half was a different story. We moved away from the simple rugby that had gotten us ahead and struggled to hold on to the ball. Our defense continued to battle, but we gave up too many points and could not find an answer on offense. That is not to say the boys stopped fighting, but this was a game we should have won. There were plenty of lessons to take away and room to improve, but this was the best showing of the season.

The team takes on Bates this weekend, looking to keep hold of the Lindbergh Cup.

Written by John Donoghue ‘27, BRFC President