The Oberlin Review
<< Front page News September 10, 2004

Rhinos dominate scrum, but fall short of try line

Despite an excellent effort from a heavily inexperienced team, the Oberlin College Rhinos lost their season opener this past Saturday to Denison University with a score of 0-19. Though the final score was not what they had hoped, the high level of play on the field was far from disappointing.

“We came into the match really pumped,” senior fly-half Magdalen Dale said. “We only had two real practices before this game, but we were still ready to put it all out there.”

The rugby team is currently short several returning players, losing them to study abroad and the fall varsity women’s soccer season.

The rookies on the team performed exceptionally well considering their lack of prior experience and a mere two practices to get into a rhythm with their new teammates. Sophomore Jasmin Roberts just began playing this week but proved herself an important player on the field, playing the whole game at fullback and completing several outstanding tackles. “I was just happy that I didn’t get a concussion...like I did at practice this week,” Roberts said after the game.

A sizeable and enthusiastic Oberlin cheering section flanked the sideline. The typical supporter didn’t seem to have good sense, or any sense at all, of the most basic rules of rugby, but that didn’t stop them from cheering wildly at everything that looked good: hard hits and fast breakaways.

Denison pulled ahead early in the match with two tries and one conversion, giving them 12 points before halftime. A third try was nearly scored before the first half whistle was blown, but a flying tackle by Dale took out the Denison player just a few yards shy of the try line.

During the second half, senior scrum-half April Gentile-Miserandino broke away from the pack, sprinting well into Denison’s terrain before being tackled, but Oberlin struggled to break through again and missed their opportunity to finish the try.

Denison scored one more try and the succeeding conversion kick, bringing the score to its final standing of 0-19.

The majority of Denison’s points came from breakaways by their beefy and overloaded line. When it came to scrums, line-outs and rucks, Oberlin clearly dominated, coming up with the ball nearly every time. Senior flanker Holly Rousmaniere’s support in the scrum was justly noted as she was awarded the hustle jersey for her passionate play on both offense and defense.

“It was an amazing first game! The combinations in the scrum are new because of the missing veterans, but we still kicked ass without them,” junior scrummie Rachel “First Pick” Lindy said.

In spite of the loss, the players left the pitch with a just sense of a game well-played and the confidence that with a few more practices, the score will better reflect their play. “Everyone keeps asking me if we won our game, but I haven’t really thought about the score. We played awesome and it felt good,” rookie winger Diana Frame said.

The Rhinos play away next Saturday and can’t wait to get dirty with Ashland University.
 
 

   

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