10/10/2009 University of Rhode Island (URI) @ Amherst College

Sunny, dry, 60 degree conditions on a beautifully maintained and lined field at Amherst College. Aside from West Point, I don't think I have been on a better rugby pitch in the Northeast.
Within the first 5 minutes URI ran in a try to the corner (converted), leading me to believe this game may turn out something like the 82-0 AC drubbing of last week...I was wrong.

After the ensuing kickoff AC fought back well, keeping the game inbetween the 10 meter lines. The AC attack and defense was frusturating URI as the boys from RI began giving away needless penalties for not releasing and diving over in the ruck, enabling AC to pick up 6 points. Then, at around the URI 10 meter line the RI boys got sucked into an AC ruck, leaving an overload for AC...AC used the space, beat the fullback, and dotted down in the corner in spectacular fashion (unconverted).

HT: AC 11, URI 7

In the 2nd half URI had more sustained pressure on the AC line and worked hard for a try muscled over by their forwards.
AC then fought back and also had some sustained pressure on the URI line only to knock the ball on just before grounding.
With about 3 minutes left in the game (score AC 11 - 14 URI), AC were awarded a penalty about 5 meters from the touch line and more than 40 meters from the try line. The referee was surprised when AC indicated they wanted to go for points! While setting up for the kick a strong breeze began blowing, but despite this, the kick sailed beautifully through the posts! a very impressive kick under huge pressure for any level of rugby.
This set up the tie at 14-14, but in the ensuing kick off URI won the ball, ran a couple phases, sent it out wide, and scored a converted try in the corner. A heartbreaking finish for the struggling AC and relief for URI as they scraped by with a win.

FT
Amherst College: 1 Try, 3 penalty kicks (14)
URI: 3 Tries, 3 Conversions (21)

Some refereeing notes from the game:

• I think I may have been playing not releasing too tightly. Essentially if the defenders had their hands on the ball when the palyer hit the floor and did not come up with the ball...I penalized. After considering it post game, I think I was being to strict....the player should have the opportunity to play the ball immediately (especially with support arriving) before he gets pinged for not releasing. Subtleties.....
• Also, I almost had a major f up. It was quite a windy day. URI went long on a penalty kick for touch. The ball went well over the touch line...I blew my whistle for touch. What I didn't see coming was the strong gust of wind which blew the ball back in field and dead ingoal. I went ahead and offered the scrum back due to there really being no question as to the result....but I must remember to not blow my whistle until it actually lands in touch. I made an error like this back at Rucktoberfest 08, except for the ball blew back in but still bounced to touch.