Plymouth State University Women’s Rugby Team took 2nd place in the Division III final at the Beast of the East Rugby Tournament in Rhode Island this past weekend, losing to a very strong Roger Williams team that had recently moved up to Division II.
A ferocious weekend of rugby with collegiate teams competing from around New England, New Jersey and New York resulted in some thrilling rugby played by the Marauders. After initially falling to a strong Middlebury College team, one of the favorites in the group, they poured on 75 points to beat Drew and progress into the knock-out round on the Sunday. By chance, the ladies drew Middlebury again, but building on confidence, ferocious tackling and excellent ball handling, they exerted strong pressure in the first half, scoring an excellent team try to go ahead.
Most of the second half found Plymouth camped in defense; tackle after tackle, hit after hit, kept Middlebury from the line; however in the waning minutes Middlebury went over for a score. The drama was heightened when Middlebury missed the kick and Plymouth won by rule, having scored first and were rewarded for their hard work with a place in the semi-final.
Columbia University was an unknown team and came onto the field with a strong presence, but the Plymouth Marauders were up for a challenge. Fierce tackling and great ball handling by forwards and backs kept the pressure on and the tries started to come. This was one of the best-played games in the tournament, what a game! Demonstrating the skill, commitment and endurance of Plymouth’s women rugby players they secured a convincing win, with a score of 22-10 and a place in the final. Many congratulations to a tough group of Plymouth athletes!
