The Lions defeat the visiting Tigers 22-12
The Lions of Columbia score three first half trys as Columbia goes on to defeat the Tigers 22-12. Princeton visits Columbia for a match under the lights at Baker Field.
Baker Field, Columbia University NY, NY - Led by the two tries of fullback Conor Russomano, Columbia defeated an outmanned Princeton side 22-12 in a match that the hosts dominated more than the score reveals.
The two packs were evenly matched and it was largely a forwards’ game. Tough running up the middle was the order of the day, though Columbia’s backline was able to break for major yardage off counterattacks.
Colmbia’s Russamano crossed in the third minute for the game’s first try at the end of a 40 yard movement and center Evan Platt converted, 7-0.
After Princeton missed a penalty attempt in the 6th minute, Columbia increased its lead to 12-0 with a try by wing Kyle Depew.
Princeton picked up the pace thereafter and were rewarded in the 26th minute when big #8 Zak Deschane scored the first of his two tries. Flyhalf Pete Davidson converted, reducing Columbia’s lead to 12-7.
Columbia replied in the 33rd minute when flanker Derek Lipscomb returned a wayward Princeton clearance kick 30 meters for a try, 17-7.
Second Half
Scoring was scarce during the second half, as both teams focused their efforts on defense. The pace slowed dramatically, and the forwards were pressured to win possession as the backlines searched for opportunities to run.
Columbia increased its lead to 22-7 in the 24th minute when Conor Russomano touched down his second try on a movement that began 25 yards from Princeton’s line.
A second try by Princeton’s Zak Deschane in the 39th minute closed the show, bringing the final score to 22-12.
Commenting on the match, Princeton Coach Rich Lopacki noted: “Columbia is a big, fit and athletic team with some outstanding impact players. Conor Russomano is one of the best players in the Ivy League. He has great footwork, runs great lines, and teams that thoughtlessly kick the ball directly to him will be punished every time.”
Columbia 22
Tries: Conor Russomano (2), Kyle Depew, Derek Lipscomb
Conv: Evan Platt
Princeton 12
Tries: Zak Deschane (2)
Conv: Pete Davidson
Columbia Tweets
Columbia has just kicked off to Princeton. Welcome to Week 3 of Ivy League Rugby!
Conor Russomano carves through the Princeton defense and scores the opening try.
Evan Platt is good on the conversion. 7-0.
Princeton is wide right on a kick for points.
Kyle Depew scores another try for the Lions. The conversion is just short. 12-0.
Columbia's Platt is wide on a long kick for points.
Columbia makes a stand on its own try line and denies Princeton the try.
Princeton pushes back and punches the ball in this time. The conversion is good. 12-7.
Derek Lipscomb scores for the Lions. The conversion is no good. 17-7.
Halftime: Columbia 17 - Princeton 7
And the second half is underway.
Columbia receives the Princeton kickoff and takes it deep into Tiger territory.
Great goal line stand for the Lions.
Columbia is camping out on the Princeton try line.
The ball has drifted back to the Princeton 40.
Russomanno scores again. The conversion is no good. 22-7.
Fontela picks off a pass and almost takes it to the house. Unfortunately a call goes against the Lions. Scrum on the Princeton 5.
Tough forwards game on both sides.
Princeton scores second try. Score is now 22-12 lions.