The men's rugby team used its league opener against archrival Brown to resolve a bit of unfinished business from last year, mauling the Bears for a 52-25 victory.
The Big Green marched undefeated to the New England title last fall after a dramatic come-from-behind victory, but Brown had its revenge in beating Dartmouth for the Ivy Championship in the spring.The stage was thus set for an early match which could put the winner in the driver's seat for this season's title.
"The game was an early indication that we can be very successful," Co-Captain Dan Kalafatas '96 said. "But we are still looking to improve."
Dartmouth used a new fast paced offense featuring quick rucking to keep the ball in the backline to take advantage of its speed and fitness.The Big Green also exhibited depth as no player scored more than one of the team's eight tries, spread among both backs and forwards.
"I think we have to get a little more accostomed with our new style of play," Chris McGee '96 said. "We have to fine tune it."
The Big Green opened the match with an early try, but further scoring by both sides closed the score to 12-11 nearing halftime, at which point Dartmouth broke open the game.Two more tries gave Dartmouth a 26-11 margin before the whistle.The rush continued following half, and two more tries brought the lead to 40-11 ten minutes into the second period.
The Big Green men's rubgy travels to Holy Cross this week before its home opener against Boston University Sept. 30.
