Fall 2014 Season Recap
The men’s and women’s teams of Charles River Rugby had fall seasons that looked pretty different. Whether continuing or rebuilding, though, both sides experienced growth and success at the end of 2014.
The Charles River Men started the fall season with a few big challenges. A restructuring of NERFU senior men’s divisions saw River move to down to DIII. The Rats also lost a number of key starters over the summer, so they began the schedule with a focus on building – recruiting new members and strengthening fundamental play. The first few matches resulted in tough losses, but the Rats stayed committed to improving. Captains Corey Lang and Tommy Conley worked with coach Paul Clemens to adjust team strategy, especially on defense, and led the team to better play and closer games. The team persevered and the hard work paid off as River won 2 of their last 3 games to finish the fall. Always sure to lift Rat spirits, the men defeated Boston D3 for their first win of the season. In the final fall match, the Rats upset New London County in dramatic fashion to end the season on a high note. Strong leadership, a clearer team focus, and a deeper roster signal more success to come in 2015.
The Charles River Women earned second place in New England Rugby Football Union Division II this fall, the best finish in the team’s history. The formidable Lady Rats amassed 273 points and allowed only 69 over the course of seven matches. This tally made them the highest-scoring club in NERFU Division II, while earning them a point differential second only to division leader Burlington. Head coach Brian Lottridge and team captains Jehanne Junguenet and Jamie Carrillo led the Rats to key wins, including four straight to close the season, capturing second place. Impressively, the Lady Rats achieved their second consecutive USA Rugby playoff berth despite several injuries limiting the roster. This success highlights the depth of River’s roster, which bodes well for the club’s growth and outlook for the future. The Lady Rats will return a full complement of new and veteran talent for the spring season, including to the USA Rugby playoffs on May 16th & 17th in Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY.