From the NRSCO.
Nov. 21, 2010 – Cherry Hill, NJ
On a blue sky crisp and sunny Fall day, the National Small College Rugby Organization’s (NSCRO) Divisions 3 and 4 Women’s Collegiate Championships were concluded. The D3 final was a very exciting match between the East Penn Rugby Union Champion Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) and the New England Rugby Football Union Champion Bentley University (Waltham, MA). Bentley prevailed 3-0 to win the Division 3 National Championship.
After their solid wins in the semifinals on Saturday, the Bentley-Drexel match was expected to be a tight one. Drexel quickly went on attack from the opening kick-off and drove deep into Bentley territory. A penalty was awarded to Drexel about 25 meters from the goal line and Drexel opted to run a play instead of attempting a kick at goal. Bentley stopped the attack at the goal line. Bentley then took possession and maintained a continuity of possession as they drove into Drexel’s territory. An offside call against Drexel 15 meters from the goal line and right in front of the goalposts offered Bentley a relatively simple shot at a penalty goal. Bentley coach Yancy Graf signal to her club to make the attempt and a fortuitous decision it was as the kick by flyhalf Alexa Yerxa was good and gave Bentley a 3-0 lead. Both teams attacked and counter-attacked back and forth for most of the game with Drexel having some good scoring chances but often turning the ball over in contact.
With 10 minutes left in the match, Drexel maintained possession of the ball and attacked the Bentley goal relentlessly. Bentley’s players dug in and refused to let up and tackled every ball carrier in sight. A Drexel player appeared to score a try but lost control of the ball as she crossed the goal line resulting in a Bentley scrum. Time ran out on Drexel and Bentley won 3-0 to earn the Division 3 National Championship title.
On Saturday, in the second semifinal, the University at Albany (New York State Rugby Conference Champion) used its outside speed to take a 19-17 half time lead over Drexel. In the second half, Drexel regroup to score 4 tries and pull out a 37-19 win.
Bentley’s talented flyhalf Alexandra Yerxa was named MVP, while Drexel’s fleet-footed scrumhalf Hannah Bennett was named the “Heart and Soul” of her club and was awarded the game ball.
A crowd of over 200 spectators, including friends and families of the players, enjoyed the action on the field and the crowning of the 2 National Championships.
All of the matches were videotaped by BC Productions under the direction of owner Roberto Albarracin (www.bbcstudio.com). Expert match commentary was provided by USA Rugby National Women’s Team player Phaidra Knight.
The NSCRO extends its appreciation to those who helped make this an excellent rugby event, including the host club, Philadelphia Women’s RFC (www.pwrfc.org), South Jersey RFC (www.southjerseyrugby.org) for use of their excellent field, the medical staff of Dr. Katie Gollotto, Dr. Merrick Wetzler and ATC Danielle Lodics, and referees Terry Haas, Pete Hesler, Lance Huelsmann and Dan Dohony along with assistant referees Richard Cobb, Vicky Crosier, Quinn Conaboy and Dave McHugh.
For more information on the NSCRO, visit our website at www.nscro.org
