The Men's Rugby team beat the University of Massachusetts 32-7 last weekend to wrap up the second consecutive season in which both the A and B sides went undefeated. The team's last loss was in 1993 against Harvard.
The ruggers not only ended the regular season as New England Champions, but also finished nearly 100 points ahead of second place Brown in net scoring. The Bear's only defeat came against Dartmouth in the first match of the season.
The match against UMass was purely a matter of pride. Dartmouth had already clinched the championship, while 0-6 UMass had a firm hold on last place and a trip to a relegation match to determine if they would remain in the Premier League.
UMass took a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes, but the Big Green held them scoreless for the remainder of the 80 minute match.
Dartmouth responded to the try with intense pressure in the UMass end, but slow, slippery footing combined with strong UMass tackling held off an answering try until midway through the half, when Roger Vincent '96 scored after a series of rucks near the tryline.
Subsequent tries by Craig Thomas '96, Jon Stoel '96 and Pete Martin '97 put the game away.
The rugby season continues until just before Thanksgiving since finishing first in New England rewards Dartmouth with a home game in the first round of the Northeastern playoffs this Saturday.
A win would send the ruggers to a four team playoff for the Northeastern championship tow weeks later. The top three teams from that Championship will qualify for the East Coast final held after spring break.
