The Review

Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy of Bjorn Haglid Friday night's game against No. 4 Navy was an absolute heartbreaker as the Hens blew a 12-0 lead.

The players stepped on to the dirt field, readying themselves for 80 minutes of bone-crushing hits. The worn-down turf was perfect for Delaware's men's rugby club to play under the bright lights.

The Hens played their only night game of the season under the lights of Frazier Field last Friday. The match, resulting in a 27-20 loss to No. 3 United States Naval Academy, attracted one of the largest audiences this year. In attendance were rugby alumni who returned to the university for Homecoming weekend.

The bitter cold of the night did nothing to dampen Junior David George's enthusiasm about playing.

"It's awesome under the lights," George said. "It is just different, it feels pretty sweet."

Delaware's A-side team, equivalent to a varsity team, has not defeated Navy in the two years since leaving the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union. This history helped to create a much-anticipated rivalry game.

Freshman Barry Tapp said despite Navy's dominance in the past, the team wanted to rise to the challenge.

"We were pumped going into the game," Tapp said. "We know they're beatable."

Knowing the game would draw a large crowd, head coach Bjorn Haglid incorperated many things for both current and former players.

"It was one hell of a game," Haglid said. "It was all set up for the alumni."

Though he wanted the alumn to be excited to return, Haglid said his team was focused on winning the game rather than just being competitive. Early in the match, it appeared the team was primed to achieve victory.

Minutes into the first half, Delaware jumped to a seven-point lead. A touchdown and successful conversion excited the crowd.

Chants of "kill him" roared from the sideline every time a Navy player had possession of the ball. Though the words were vicious, Haglid encourages the crowd to make noise when a scrum or ruck is near the Delaware sideline.

"I think it's more unique to the way I coach," Haglid said. "But it can really intimidate the other team."

After one pile-up, the Hens dislodged the ball from the starting huddle. Immediately the ball was kicked to advance field position, but after a beneficial bounce for Delaware, the team surged forward and scored a touchdown.

Continued...

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