Marist Edges RPI in Surprisingly Close Liberty DII Game

10.09.2023College Men

Marist moved to 4-0 in the Liberty Conference Men's DII with a very difficult 12-10 win over RPI.

Marist went into the game ranked #7 by GRR and RPI was #36, but the Engineers battled hard and almost pulled it out.

"Credit to RPI, who played a physical brand of rugby," said Marist Head Coach James Kimberley.

RPI No. 8 Ray Santiago, who impressed on the Atlantic Coast All-Stars on tour in France earlier in September, ran hard and caused Marist plenty of problems. Flyhalf Jack Farrar was also impressive.

While Marist has suffered some injuries in their pack, you have to play with who you have and the players they had were tested.

"It was a good test of our depth and RPI came to play. Can’t speak highly enough about the pressure they put on our backs," said Kimberley.

Marist did OK as well and did get over the line twice, plus two more times where they were held up. John Pearl at wing scored a try for Marist (and later had to leave due to injury) and No. 8 TJ Finegan also scored, with Ryker Weirdsma kicking the crucial conversion, which proved to be the difference-maker.

RPI drops to 2-2 in the conference, having also lost to Cornell. Next up RPI hosts SUNY Oswego in two weeks. Marist visits Cornell, which sits 2-0 and also has Albany on the slate.

So likely this Mairst vs Cornell game is to decide who is tops in the conference.

Marist, Men DII College, RPI

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