Because rugby is not often played before college, the first game of the season can be rough as new players compete in the sport for the first time. Amherst's first game against Norwich Academy was no exception to the rule.
"Norwich was a more experienced team," said Co-captain Brandon Woods '02. "We have a few rookies on A-side and of course we were a bit rusty."
The Amherst men were not completely shut down. Co-captain Bailey Williams '01 kept the Jeffs alive, scoring all of Amherst's three points. However, the Jeffs don't expect many more losses like this one.
"[Norwich] will be by far the best team we will face during the regular season," said Woods.
Last Saturday the team came back from the loss to pound the UMass Minutemen 36-10, with the help of the exceptional rookies Mac Lawrence '01 and Whit Griffinger '01.
"Our play was much improved," said Woods. "We played a quicker style of rugby than UMass, utilizing our kicking game."
Jon Stephens '02 agreed. "We knew we were prepared for the game and UMass was obviously shocked by our high level of play," he said.
Evan Scibetta '02 and Dave Stasiak '03 scored two tries each while Griffinger and James Orraca-Tetteh '02 each scored a try.
Brett Lentz '01 and Stasiak also aided the Jeffs with some hard hits and key tackles.
The Jeffs' sheer dominance of the match not only met, but also surpassed, the players expectations.
"I knew that we were good, but the team played even better than we had anticipated," said Stephens.
The Jeffs will take University of New Hampshire this Saturday at UNH.
The team is still looking for new players to add extra power to the efforts of the veterans on the team. "Anyone who is interested is invited to come to the bottom of Memorial Hill Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. for practices," said Woods.