Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference

Haverford College defeated Desales University in a 22-0 slugfest for the Silver Tier Men’s Championship on Saturday November 10.

On a wet and muddy field where it was hard to get momentum this was a game that was very much so played and won with defensive pressure and field positioning. Haverford's kicking heavy game was led by flyhalf Drew Evans and fullback Ryan Fogarty.

Both Haverford and Desales attempted to play a quick game with lots of quick taps and taking advantage on penalties. Desales flyhalf Matt Heineman had many long runs that put a lot of pressure on Haverford. But on Haverford’s end, 8-man Matt Jablonski, who lead the team and the conference in tries, was able to create space with his powerful running off scrums and quick taps.

With fierce winds and mud up to their thighs both teams fought hard the entire 80 minutes. An early breakthrough on a quick tap from Jablonski gave Haverford their initial lead (5-0). Followed by some nice passing by Haverford’s backs to get centre Travis Grant Haverford’s second try (10-0).

Desales continued to pressure through their forwards and creative backs plays but Haverford’s defensive line held strong and weathered the storm.

While the game was riddled with dropped balls and mistakes that wouldn’t be happening in better conditions, in the second half, Haverford managed to breakthrough with another nice passing play between backs and forwards to free up hooker Dan Spar for a try of his own (17-0). Haverford flanker Andrew Zolensky broke a few tackles to beat Desales to the try zone and score Haverford’s final try, bringing the end score to 22-0.