The University of Hartford Hawks started their New England-Wide conference season with an impressive 49-14 victory over longtime rival Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), in an adrenaline-packed game Saturday.

The match that was held at CCSU and was very tight in the opening ten minutes. Ten minutes was all the Hawks needed for them to find their momentum. CCSU worked very hard on trying to stay cool and collected throughout the game, but it still wasn’t enough. Although CCSU had strong forwards and disciplined backs, their lack of speed hurt them, and Hartford won 49-14.

Hartford was stronger the ruckins - they stayed low - and their quick passing. The forwards protected the ball at all times with their stacked rucks and hard hits, while the backs were virtually untouchable, exploiting gaps and causing CCSU to abandon their flat line on defense. 

This win was not only important to Hartford due to the rivalry but also it sets the tempo for the rest of the games this season.

“As long as we stick together, show up at training and work hard on the pitch as well as the classroom we should do well this season," said Hartford Coach Ryan Ginty. "We have a lot of young returning starters, and new freshman that have bolstered our roster and coupled with our veteran leadership we are able to play an exciting brand of rugby.”

Next week Hartford takes on Western Connecticut State University.

See the full DII standings here.

See highlight video below (if you don't see the video, please refresh the page)

- Angela Francisco