Brown men secure second with win over Princeton
Brown wins a close match against Princeton 24-20, scoring 4 tries to lock up second place in the Ivy standings. Princeton also scored 4 tries in a losing effort and racked up 2 bonus points in the standings, earning them sole possession of third in the league.
Game Summary: Brown vs Princeton
Brown’s final league match was spectators’ delight as the Bears lead on the scoreboard for 68 minutes, trailed by a point, and came back to score for the win with only seconds on the clock. Brown looked in control but the Tigers could not be shaken and kept Brown from a comfortable lead throughout. The match was played in front of vocal and supportive Brown Rugby alumni and parents on a beautiful sunny day.
It took Brown over 30 minutes to crack the Princeton defense as flanker Alek Coben broke for 20 meters. From the tackle #9 Joe Paolino made a quick pass to hooker John Landers who was not to be stopped from 15 meters and scored. Fullback Henry Langton added the conversion.
Although Brown kept the attack in Princeton territory, the Bears gave up a careless try as the first half ended for a slim 7-5 lead.
The second half looked initially as though Brown would take control as fly half Dan Tonderys broke for the line from a 5 meter scrum. Short of the line, Brown forwards won the ruck and gave lock Dillon Ingham a go. DJ was not to be denied, scoring with fullback Henry Langton converting again for a 14-5 Brown lead.
Princeton’s forwards proved to be resilient. The Tigers began to dominate the scrums, poach enough ruck ball to move the ball into the Brown half, and score to narrow Brown’s lead to 4 points. Brown, however, kicked off, pinned Princeton inside its 22 meter line, and took advantage of a quick lineout, catching and driving the lineout and driving the maul 20 meters where #8 Alex Hester scored, putting Brown ahead 19-10 with 24 minutes left in the match.
With the season on the line for both teams, Princeton picked up its work rate and scored two unconverted tries to take a one point lead with but 12 minutes left to play.
Brown also wanted this win and worked hard to march down the field, camping inside the 20 meter line with 5 minutes to play. Brown pressure caused a Princeton penalty 10 meters from the line and in front of the posts. In the excitement of the moment, Brown chose not to kick a penalty for 3 points, but tried to run the ball. Princeton turned back the Bears and only had to keep possession for a minute to secure the victory.
However, Princeton tried to clear the ball from a scrum and with Brown swarming on defense, the ball was passed to a Princeton player. John Landers stripped the ball which popped into the air. Alertly, flanker Alek Coben grabbed the ball in mid-air and dove over the line to put Brown up 24-20.
With only seconds on the clock, Princeton kicked off but the game was over with a stunning, come from behind, Brown victory.
Scoring Summary
First Half
31st min try-Brown (John Landers) 5
Conversion (Henry Langton) 2
40th min try-Princeton 5
First Half: 7 5
Second Half
44th min try-Brown (Dillon Ingham) 5
Conversion (Henry Langton) 2
56th min try- Princeton 5
58th min try-Brown (Alex Hester) 5
64th min try- Princeton 5
68th min try- Princeton 5
82nd min try- Brown (Alek Coben) 5
Second Half: 17 15