By Maxx Steinmetz
Bennington RFC visited Rutland in a Division 4 season closer, Saturday, Nov. 15, for New England Rugby Football Union’s (NERFU) 2014 fall season.
Bennington scored first, passing the ball down the line to the far side of the pitch, where Rutland’s Maxx Steinmetz’s covering tackle came a second too late. However, Rutland responded by marching up the field with cool heads, leading to Daniel Ball crashing through the defense and touching the ball down in the corner.
For the remainder of the half, lineouts and scrums were hotly contested and open play showed both sides’ conviction. That conviction was apparent at the end of the first half with the scores standing at 7-5 in favor of the visitors (Bennington was able to convert their try).
With some substitutions made at the half, Rutland was able to strike shortly after the sound of the whistle with TJ Moran able to touch the ball down after a five meter scrum.
After a bit more play, Bennington continued scoring with a try of their own. However, the depth of Rutland’s squad showed, and with fire in the belly and ice in their veins, were able to work the ball to Seth Harrington and Chris Olsen each scoring unanswered tries.
With a bonus point win of 22-14, Rutland climbs back up the rankings to third with the help of a 104-0 Mad River victory over Berkshire.
Tim Stephens was awarded Man-of-the-Match honors for his distribution of the ball, and marshaling on the field from the fly-half position.
