Rugby puts up a big fight against the Midshipmen

The players stepped on to the dirt field, readying themselves for 80 minutes of bone-crushing hits. The worn-down turf was perfect for Delaware's men's rugby club to play under the bright lights.

The Hens played their only night game of the season under the lights of Frazier Field last Friday. The match, resulting in a 27-20 loss to No. 3 United States Naval Academy, attracted one of the largest audiences this year. In attendance were rugby alumni who returned to the university for Homecoming weekend.

The bitter cold of the night did nothing to dampen Junior David George's enthusiasm about playing.

"It's awesome under the lights," George said. "It is just different, it feels pretty sweet."

Delaware's A-side team, equivalent to a varsity team, has not defeated Navy in the two years since leaving the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union. This history helped to create a much-anticipated rivalry game.

Freshman Barry Tapp said despite Navy's dominance in the past, the team wanted to rise to the challenge.

"We were pumped going into the game," Tapp said. "We know they're beatable."

Knowing the game would draw a large crowd, head coach Bjorn Haglid incorperated many things for both current and former players.

"It was one hell of a game," Haglid said. "It was all set up for the alumni."

Though he wanted the alumn to be excited to return, Haglid said his team was focused on winning the game rather than just being competitive. Early in the match, it appeared the team was primed to achieve victory.

Minutes into the first half, Delaware jumped to a seven-point lead. A touchdown and successful conversion excited the crowd.

Chants of "kill him" roared from the sideline every time a Navy player had possession of the ball. Though the words were vicious, Haglid encourages the crowd to make noise when a scrum or ruck is near the Delaware sideline.

"I think it's more unique to the way I coach," Haglid said. "But it can really intimidate the other team."

After one pile-up, the Hens dislodged the ball from the starting huddle. Immediately the ball was kicked to advance field position, but after a beneficial bounce for Delaware, the team surged forward and scored a touchdown.

The ensuing conversion try failed, the Hens still held a 12-0 lead on the Navy team. After a free kick from Pat Goldring put the Hens 15-5, Navy scored seven unanswered points. The first half closed out with Delaware holding on to a three-point lead at 15-12.

"It's real important to set the tone," Tapp said at halftime. "We can't let up now."

Danny Ramirez, a B-side player, watched his team exchange big tackles with Navy.

"They are a military academy so they're in great shape," Ramirez said.

The second 40-minute half started and immediately frustration came to the surface. Navy quickly took control despite Delaware's best efforts.On the opening possession, Navy drove down the field, settling for a free kick, which tied the game at 15-15.

Navy continued to dominate the second half, rolling to an easy victory.

Freshman Jimmy Kowalski had the only score for the Hens in the second half. After he sped past defenders to the outside, it was a sprint to the goal. The conversion kick just missed, and Delaware's score stayed at 20 until the final whistle.

George said the team showed confidence after a strong practice leading up to the game, most of the players appeared dejected afterwards.

"It was a tough game that we should have won," George said. "It hurts."

Haglid speculated lighting conditions had an effect on his team. He said depth perception is affected when they play under the lights and the other team looks faster than they really are. He did not take any credit away from Navy for their victory, however.

"We had them on the ropes," Haglid said. "But they are who they are, number three in the country."

Haglid said the team is looking forward to the next few games. He has confidence his players will rebound from this heartbreaking loss.

Always looking for new players to try out on any given day, Haglid attributes the strength of the team to their ability to trust each other.

"When you go into battle, it's a great feeling having support from your teammates," he said.

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