Preview by Michael Griffin for Goff Rugby Report. 

New England College 

Nickname: Pilgrims    

Home Pitch: Laurie Cox Memorial Field, Henniker, NH

Head Coach: Tal Bayer

2015 Conference Rank: #3

The Pilgrims’ inaugural year in the ECRC was a successful one. NEC has been a dynamo looming in the NSCRO for years, however, this past year the Pilgrims made the leap to Division IAA, and did not dissatisfy expectations. Finishing the fall at 6-2, NEC’s signature win came at home against the UMass Minuteman in an 18-8 battle of grit. The only two losses came at the hands of conference champion AIC and conference runner-up Boston College. NEC did not participate in a postseason bowl game despite having an opportunity to participate in the ACRCs. 

Not a bad start, but since then the Pilgrims have severed ties with their old coach, Jeremy Treece, and hired a new one. Tal Bayer is now the Field General for NEC, and he is bringing years of coaching experience from Rugby East’s Wheeling Jesuit. Though Bayer may not have experience in Henniker, he has experience at a high level in college rugby, and he is inheriting a team that has acquired a taste for success in the New Hampshire hills. 

Senior Captain Ryan Gurrola looks to be a leader on and off the field this fall. His presence is without question felt in the scrum. As far as backs go NEC will look to California native James Tayson. The senior flyhalf brings his crisp passing and cool decision-making in pressure situations to an already talented backline. 

It is worth noting that the Pilgrims were the only team to give AIC at game last season while playing in Springfield. This upcoming fall the Yellow Jackets will venture to the North for a battle of Old versus New. NEC will look to continue its program’s rich history of success by finishing the job and knocking off Boston College and AIC this fall.