Short-Handed Babson Tops Wellesley, 38-5

Saturday, October 15th

Babson traveled across town this weekend to face Wellesley College in a local match-up with an early kickoff time.  Due to the last minute kickoff change, Babson was only able to travel with 14 ruggers to face a Wellesley team which boasts 29 rostered players.  The Beavers were up for the challenge, however, as all 14 players played the entire 80 minutes.
 
The first half of play was toughly contested, with Babson striking first as their backs were able to move the ball through the hands and outpace Wellesley down the sideline.  The kick was converted, making the score 7-0 just a few minutes into the game.  The next 30 minutes of the match was full of hard hits, strong runs, and tough defense from both sides.  Babson’s scrum half lost a contact lens midway through the period but gutted it out the rest of the game with strong tackles and clean passes for the duration of the match.  With seconds to go in the half, Wellesley got a good line break by their centers and brought the ball down inside the Babson 22-meter line.  A smart pick and go off a collapsed maul from 5 meters out allowed Wellesley to score in the corner as time expired, ending the half 7-5 in favor of Babson after the unconverted kick.
 
Energized by their strong play despite being down a player for the first 40, Babson came out even stronger in the second half.  Crushing runs by their forwards pulled the opposition defense in tight, and allowed the Babson backs to run wild, putting up 4 more tries equally spaced throughout the period.  Mixed in between the back’s glory, one of Babson’s rookie forwards scored the first try of her career on a smart run combined with a few strong fends to round out the scoring on the day.  As Wellesley brought on their reserves, Babson’s defense was tested time and again up against their goal line, but each time were able to hold off Wellesley’s attack and eventually clear the ball with well-placed kicks. 

At the end of the day 4 of their 6 tries were converted, and Babson returned home victorious, 38-5.  This was Babson's first NEWCRC League win in years, and is a testament to the hard work they've put in over the last few seasons.
 
Babson is scheduled to play at Home next Saturday (10/22) against Brandeis, 1pm kickoff on Harrington Field.