Brown over Columbia in the Marvel Mud

Brown scored 17 unanswered first half points on route to a 20-12 victory over visiting Columbia on a muddy track.

An abrupt change in weather took the summer temperatures of last week down in the high 40’s with just enough rain to effect handling in the backline and lineout throws. 

However, Brown dominated the set pieces and with better handling could have put additional points on the board from its lineout possession and backline moves. With Columbia struggling in the first half, the match was played in the Columbia half. An early penalty near the Columbia line was tapped with captain John Landers getting the score. Kicker Alek Coben converted this try and also converted center Pete McHugh’s picture perfect untouched scoring break through the Columbia backline from a 22 meter scrum. Coben added a penalty kick as the half ended.

With a 17-0 halftime lead, Brown clearly dropped its intensity, giving up an early second half converted try through the backline as Brown failed to defend well. The second half see-sawed in mid-field with neither team able to finish off scoring opportunities. As time ran down, Brown brought in some replacements to provide them First XV experience. The forwards pressured Columbia into a penalty with 5 minutes left on the clock and Coben added 3 security points for a 20-7 cushion. Brown conceded a match ending try as the match ended.

Match Tweets

• 30 minutes until kickoff here at Brown's Marvel Field, where Brown will face Columbia in their second seasonal match
• Kickoff time on this dreary Saturday, Brown Men's Rugby vs Columbia 
• Early try by Captain John Landers makes the score 7-0 Brown following the excellent Alek Coben conversion
• Brown and Columbia trade territory and possession in a penalty ridden affair so far.
• Beautiful back play by Brown gives 13 Peter McHugh a try converted by Alek Coben. Brown hits a gap on a switch just outside their 22 for a try under the posts. 14-0 Brown
• Penalty kick by Alek Coben makes the game 17-0
• And the score stands 17-0 Bruno after a fantastic first half from Brown
• CU comes out punching in the second half with a try in the first minute between the posts off a scrum play. 17-7
• Columbia much more assertive in this second half. Holding possession and winning territory well
• Great sportsmanship from Columbia's #24 helping an injured player. That's what the game is really about
• Alek Coben with another graceful penalty kick! The score is 20-7 Brown
• Columbia comes right back with the forwards picking and going in front of the try line, try by Colavita on the edge. 20-12
• That's the game! 20-12 Brown here on a very muddy Marvel Field

First XV: Scoring Summary    

                                                                         BROWN            COLUMBIA

16 min       Try-Brown(John Landers)                      5
                  Conversion(Alek Coben)                        2
29th min    Try-Brown (Pete McHugh)                     5
                  Conversion(Alek Coben)                        2
39th  min   Penalty Kick-Brown(Alek Coben)           3

First Half:                                                               17                         0    

Second Half
45th min    Converted Try-Columbia                         7
75th min    Penalty Kick-Brown(Alek Coben)            3
80th min    Try-Columbia                                          5
Second Half:                                                             3                         12    
Final Score:                                                             20                       12

Columbia travels to Brown on the third weekend of fall Ivy rugby competition. The game takes place at Marvel Field in Providence, located opposite the football field parking lot, so come cheer your ruggers on before heading to the tailgate.