Rugby season ends in victory

The weekend started out all wrong for the men's rugby team. After enduring a nine-hour van ride to the nation's capital, the team first discovered that the annual Cherry Blossom tournament, held on Sat., Apr. 14 and Sun., Apr. 15, was moved from the Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. to Bull Run, Va. To make matters worse, the team discovered that it was to compete in the Division II bracket instead of Division I. So how did Yale respond to these shenanigans? By romping all opposition and bringing home the prized first place cup.

COURTESY YALE RUGBY Although the Bulldogs got off to a slow start, they picked up the level of play to win the coveted Cherry Blossom tournament title last weekend in Washington, D.C..

Yale opened the tournament facing an unknown opponent, Elon College. Although they did not have their best performance, the Bulldogs still managed to soundly defeat Elon 24-0, led by three tries from 8-man Alex Stegall, MC '02. In the afternoon game on Saturday, Yale improved slightly while their opponents did not. Oswego State fell by a score of 36-0, as the Elis were led by two tries from prop Steve Petrie, CC '01. This second game also saw the first A-side try for freshman Jason Park, BK '04, who happened to be in the right place in the right time.

After a night of rest and relaxation, the Bulldogs came out focused on Sun., Apr. 15, thirsty for the tournament cup but well aware that their level of play would have to improve. The morning game was played in terrible conditions resembling a mud pit, upon which Yale squeaked past Mary Washington College 7-0. Clark Mercer, MC '02, was awarded a penalty try as time expired, allowing Yale to advance to the finals.

The finals would prove to be the biggest challenge for the Bulldogs as they squared off against a fiery North Carolina State team. Yale gave up its first points in the first half, and entered halftime down 7-0. Realizing the importance of ending the season with a win, particularly for the seniors, the Bulldogs rebounded by scoring two tries in five minutes. Fullback Collin May, SY '02, added the conversion kicks and a try of his own, giving Yale a 21-7 lead. Although North Carolina State managed to score again, the game ended in a 21-12 victory for the Elis.

For departing seniors Alex Kallman, MC '01, Damian Brown, SY '01, Captain David Dickson, DC '01, as well as Case, the Cherry Blossom tournament victory was particularly sweet. Shamus summed up the weekend nicely adding, "It was great to end my Yale career on top." Jeffrey Eliason, DC '02, plays for the men's rugby team.

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