ACRFC 5 v. Providence 12
ACRFC returned from their yearly winter hibernation with rejuvenated spirits and some new faces. The team opened the season with a tournament hosted by UMASS Amherst. Without key members of the starting forwards pack, the first game against Providence proved to be a tough match against the eventual tournament champions. At the half ACRFC was within one score (7-5). Senior flanker Guy Matisis scored the Amherst try on a penalty from 7m out, making it a memorable rugby debut for the former Amherst football and wrestling standout. The second half was a defensive struggle with gritty play from the front row. Props Michael Gutilla (’09) and Simon Gao (’12) were stout in defense, with aggressive tackles and rucking. While the ACRFC defense held up for the majority of the second half the lack of offensive possession proved costly, as Providence was able to push over one more try near the end of regulation. While it was not the result the team was looking for, the defensive improvement was something to build on going into the game against Sacred Heart that afternoon.