Columbia Men Defeat Cornell 20-12

Cornell Men hosted Columbia University in its Ivy League home opener last Saturday. After a morning of consistent rain two hours prior, the weather cleared up in time for the noon kick-off. The Columbia side captured the win with the help of their stout defense 20-12.

Columbia put the pressure on the Big Red side immediately when Cornell knocked on the return from the kickoff to allow a scrum on the five meter. Persistent early pressure and patience resulted in a quick seven points for Columbia. Shortly following, Columbia drilled a penalty through the uprights to climb to a 10-0 lead. Before the half could reach a close, Cornell broke through the back line for a long run scoring the ball on the wing (Ryan Cleary ’15).

Coaches issued riling halftime speeches as both teams came out energized in the second half. Colossal hits from both sides resulted in numerous scrum opportunities for both sides. Columbia took first advantage marching down to 30 meters out where they converted on a penalty to further the lead 13-7. A fortunate break occurred for the Cornell side from a dropped ball following the kickoff and set up a line out on the opposing five-meter. After sensational forward play, Alex Ryde ’13 rolls out of the maul and falls in to the try zone. The kick was good to close the gap 13-12. With game time waning the pressure builds for both sides. Columbia secured the game with a shifty play from the backs. Columbia's Danny Martinez spun into the try zone to provide the winning margin.

Late game substitutions happened too little too late for Cornell as Columbia held on for their first win in the Ivy League. Both teams will remain at home next week as Princeton travels to Columbia and Penn travels to Ithaca to challenge Cornell.

Final Columbia 20 - Cornell 12