Despite losing to Dartmouth (4-1) in Hanover, N.H. and dropping to 2-2 in its conference, the Boston College rugby team secured itself a spot in the playoffs.
BC played Dartmouth tough in the first half, keeping the game tight. Hurt by the absence of starters Kevin Brady, Steve Petteruti, and Sean Hanel, the Eagles were forced to shift positions and fill the gaps in their roster. Paul Carty stepped in to fill Brady's position at hooker.
BC struggled to get comfortable on the field and was unable to score in the first 40 minutes. Thanks to tough defense, however, they were able to hold Dartmouth to one score, leaving the field at halftime down 5-0.
BC broke out in the second hoping to get the edge on Dartmouth. A downfield kick put the ball deep in Dartmouth territory, and BC managed to recover possession 15 meters from the try zone. Strong running from Tom Case and Phil Albanese helped get the ball out wide to Mike Parker, who took the ball the final 5 meters to score.
The Eagles' second score came from Jay Mangone. BC's forwards pounded the ball right to the Dartmouth try line, and Mangone was able to split the pile and dive into the try zone. Dartmouth, however, proved too tough for the Eagles as they put up 19 points in the second half, defeating BC 24-10.
With previous victories over UMass Amherst and UConn, BC will be one of four teams in the New England Rugby Football Union playoffs. It is unclear what seed the Eagles will get, as they still have one more regular season match against perennial powerhouse Army next week.
Notes:
Ken Daly, former coach and founder of the BC Rugby Football Club, has been awarded BC's Father William Donlon Award for special achievement in athletics. He will take the field at next Saturday's BC Wake Forest football game to receive the honor.
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