McGill 2nds 19 vs Dartmouth 0
August 31, 2008
KINGSTON, ON
After a disappointing first match against the US Army on Day 1 of the Classic, Redmen Rugby's 2nd side pulled together for a sensational 19 - 0 shutout against Dartmouth.
The first half saw a reinvigorated McGill side run out with all cylinders firing, starting off almost immediately on the offensive. Huge improvement could be seen in the organization of the Redmen's club side, with all players running more organized support off the ball, and flatter lines on defense. Yet the try-drought remained for the duration of the first half as small errors within ten metres of the opposition try-line were committed.
Coming out of the half, Dartmouth kicked the ball directly out on the restart, and McGill opted for a scrum fifty. Utilizing a special play known to work well up centre field, McGill won the scrum and put scrum-half Dan Levin forward twenty yards. McGill's forwards cleaned up the ball, and all fifteen players continued to pass, ruck, and support well. They were soon rewarded with a converted try from Rilen Spencer.
After the restart McGill's game continued to be clinical, with McGill playing mostly in the opposition half. Following several phases of play, and with a dummy pass to his inside centre opening up a gap, fly half Josh Balloch went under the posts with a try converted by fullback Roy Voigt putting McGill up 14-0.
Spectators saw much of the same for the rest of the half, with Graeme Kempthorne scoring McGill's only unconverted try of the day. McGill finished a strong 19-0 over the Dartmouth side.
Halftime: 0 - 0
Final: 19 - 0
Man of the Match: Dan Levin and Josh Balloch
Points: Rilen Spencer (1t), Josh Balloch (1t), Graeme Kempthorne (1t), Roy Voigt (2c)
Game Review by Josh Balloch