The University of Rhode Island Men’s rugby team continued its strong opening to their season with a commanding 55-15 victory in Kingston, RI Saturday.

The Rams spread their scoring around, with 3 players scoring 2 tries each and 6 players altogether scoring tries. The URI forward pack established dominance early, putting the BU scrumhalf under pressure and turning over possession through counter rucking several times. Despite the territorial and possession advantage, handling errors and ill-timed penalties kept the Rams off the scoreboard early. The ongoing pressure paid off after 18 minutes when quick ball off a series off rucks sent tighthead prop Darryl Brooks around the corner to score his first try of the season.  Ten minutes later, wing Alex Sabitoni finished a swift counter attack by the URI back 3 to score again, with Anthony Kennedy’s conversion extending the lead to 12-0. And 5 minutes later, scrumhalf Will Coris broke wide off a loose ruck and beat the BU defense to the goal line. Kennedy’s conversion made the score 19-0 at half. 

Coming out of halftime blazing, the Rams quickly broke the game open with three tries in the first 12 minutes.

Fullback Tom Morini broke several tackles en route to in-goal only 2 minutes into the half, Kennedy converting, and Sabitoni followed 3 minutes later with his second try of the game. Morini doubled his try total with a long run and perfectly timed chip kick ahead, touching it down to make the score 38-0 at the 52 minute mark. To their credit, the Terriers refused to pack it in and scored 2 tries of their own, with  Max Young sprinting outside and Garrison Doodlesack crashing over in close to close to 38-10. But Rhody countered with a pair of tries of their own, replacement fullback Brechan Allison following No. 8 San Reyes’ interior break to score one try, then making a bolt through the middle of the BU defense before loosehead prop Alex Zygmunt finished the move with his second try of the season at the 70 minute mark.

Unfortunately, the Rams lost Reyes on the first try as he broke his leg while off-loading at the goalline. BU continued to fight, Max Young dashing in off a quick tap penalty at 75 minutes, but Coris answered with yet 1 more try off a superb dummy at the BU goal line. Coris was selected the URI Man of the Match. Rhode Island travels to face defending conference champion Vermont next Saturday.