The rugby season finally got off to a start last Saturday when RPI men played Siena College from Latham. The day was picture perfect for a game, the temperature in the mid 80’s and the RPI lads were looking ready to apply some of their newly acquired skills in a real match situation. The Siena team, to be fair to them, came down with a squad of over 35 players and supporters. RPI’s women’s team captain, Hillary Lindsey, volunteered as sideline referee and the Siena Coach took responsibility of being the game referee.
RPI was slow to start, but it was obvious from an early stage they had a clear plan in mind to run the game wide. The in-your-face tackling was competitive and allowed the Siena team little room to move. This is a credit to the RPI players as Siena had some undoubted talents at the halfbacks and backrow.
Once the RPI forwards got into the rhythm of the game, the handling and passing became a feature of the match. The slick movement in the backline along with inter-passing play among the forwards led to a number of tries.
At the end of the first half RPI was ahead 26-0 after scoring four tries and converting three kicks. The passing and desire to move the ball wide was an obvious feature of the match. The lineout domination of the pack reduced the Siena forwards to working off scraps. Changes at half time by both teams brought on some of the promising new players from both sides. The rhythm of the RPI game was not the same as it was in the first half, due, in part, to a brave fight-back by Siena and the increasing heat on the pitch.
When the dust had settled at the end of the game, RPI won magnificently 40 points to nil. In meetings between both sides it is the highest winning margin by an RPI team in recent memory. It also keeps alive the one-sided domination between the teams where RPI has now won 13 matches in a row.
RPI has their first away match for the start of the league campaign this Saturday, and their first challenge. However, the win at the start of the season bodes well for the team and the club.
Special thanks to the women’s team who came out to support the players on Saturday. In addition, thanks to all the supporters who came along. Next Saturday, both the men’s and women’s team will have their first league home game. Games start at 11 am at Lower Renwick Field, and fans are encouraged to attend.
