Harvard University 0 @ Dartmouth College 31

Dartmouth College 31 (1st XV ) v. Harvard University 0 (1st XV )
Referee: Boulet Kick-off Time: 12:00 PM
DARTMOUTH DEFEATS HARVARD 31‐0 IN THE RAIN
Big Green Earns Tough Win in Rough Conditions to Remain Only Unbeaten Team

Coming off of three straight Ivy League wins, the Crimson of Harvard traveled north to Dartmouth for the annual fall classic. The two rivals have become even more competitive over the past three seasons, and this year's new League play promises to only heighten the impact when the two teams meet. Dartmouth got things off to a quick start with a pair of converted tries. Harvard countered with a series of good possessions, thanks in part, to hard rucking and running from Harvard's Dave Renteln '11. Dartmouth regained possession and took the ball deep into Crimson territory. Harvard's Jeff Overall '11 made a valiant effort to keep the Dartmouth runners at bay with some trademark hard hits, but the green was able to shuffle in for another converted try.

The second half saw renewed heart from the HRFC, who again fought hard for control in the rucks, lineouts, and scrums. Harvard's Obi Okwara '12 dominated a crucial series of rucks and added another standout game to his quickly growing sophomore resume. Harvard's Brock Corbett '10 rallied the forwards with a booming voice and hard hits of his own. In the end, however, Dartmouth was able to run in two more tries before time ran out, though they failed to convert.

"The conditions were wet and sloppy," explained Harvard captain Jonny Miller ‘10. Dartmouth dominated possession through the match, but both teams had a difficult time getting the slick ball through the hands to move it on offense. The match was dominated by scrums and lineouts, most of which were won or stolen by the Men in Green. Dartmouth's ability to control possession of the ball was predominantly based on its ability to win its own offensive set pieces, as well as a high percentage of its defensive lineouts and scrums. Co‐captain Mike DiBenedetto said of Dartmouth's outstanding set piece play, "It was something we worked on all week in practice, and it was great to see that hard work pay off in tough conditions. [Play in the set piece] made the difference in today's match." "We were dominated in the set piece play," conceded the Harvard scrumhalf Miller, "Dartmouth was quicker to capitalize on turnovers."

Asked to comment on the match, Harvard Head Coach Dave Gonzales joked, "Our B‐side was awesome and our C side didn't do too bad either." Harvard's B‐side defeated the Dartmouth B‐side 10‐0 in a shortened match. "I'm proud of how we played, especially in our forward pack," remarked Dartmouth captain Matt Dinger '10. "Everyone grinded it out for a really important win." "This was a rainy‐weather game. Our boys were able to do the things needed in those conditions to come out on top," commented Dartmouth Coach Alex Magleby. "Harvard played aggressively, which was good for us [to see]. We tip our hats off them, they are a well‐coached and tough side." Harvard will look to finish out the rest of the season strong, said Miller. "We need to clean up our play … work on the fundamentals and getting our set pieces where they need to be. Hopefully we will make a run at the Northeast." Harvard will face Cornell on Saturday and Columbia on Sunday at home next weekend.

With today's win, Dartmouth controls its own destiny in its bid to win its tenth Ivy League Championship in thirteen tries, and the first title of the newly‐formed Ivy League Championship Series. The Big Green are the last undefeated team standing of the Ancient Eight as they welcome Princeton and Penn to Hanover next weekend. Wins in those two matches would all but seal up the top seed for the Men in Green, with a final game at Brown the following week before the Ivy League playoffs. Dartmouth earned its second shutout of the year against Harvard and has now outscored its opponents an average of 66 to 3. The Big Green have also managed to capture every point possible in league play.

Dartmouth First Half Fish T, 2C Lehmann T
Dartmouth Second Half Brakeley T Fish C Jarvis 2T
Dartmouth College 0 (2nd XV ) v. Harvard University 10 (2nd XV )
Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM