On Saturday April 4, Beantown began its Spring 2015 season with consecutive matches against the Hartford Roses and the Albany Sirens. Despite the sun, it was a cold and windy day on Russell Field in Cambridge. The wind made lineouts hard and conversions harder in both matches.
The two Beantown sides fielded rosters of mixed D1 and D2 players. This strategy allowed players from both divisional sides to maximize playing time as well as work towards their goal of a two-team national championship.
vs. Hartford
Numerous penalties and turnovers occurred on both sides and resulted in frequent changes in possession. A player from each team received a yellow card for a high tackle penalty. Competition was fierce, with several strong runs by Hartford capitalizing on defensive gaps. Ultimately, teamwork and fitness paid off with the decisive victory awarded to Beantown. Rookie debut: Chee.
Read the Storify play-by-play of the match: https://storify.com/BeantownRFC/vs-hartford-spring-2015
Halftime score: 27-10
Final score v. Hartford: 58-15
Beantown tries: Mary Sung (2), OBD (2), forwards, Kate O. (3), Jackie Hwang, Duzzi; Conversions: Rhi (3), Jackie Romper
vs. Albany
With the start of the match against Albany, the level of play picked up. Both teams unfortunately continued to struggle with multiple penalties and turnovers. Breakaways, goal-line defense, and play on every part of the pitch made for an exciting, if low scoring, start to the game. After entering the second half tied at seven points, Beantown pulled away, racking up points with strong scrums and fast lineouts. This led to the second win of the day. Rookie debut: Shelly.
Read the Storify play-by-play of the match: https://storify.com/BeantownRFC/vs-albany-spring-2015
Halftime score: 7-7
Final score v. Albany: 40-7
Beantown tries: JP, Xanni, Kat, Jones (2), Milligan; Conversions: Jones (5)