So this week is the Game of the Year … at least for now … in the NECRC.

This Men’s DII college conference has been one of the most competitive in college rugby, with three teams in a virtual tie for 1st most of the season, and with the other three teams, while not killing it in the win column, competitive every week.

Currently, Rhode Island leads with a 6-1 record and five bonus points, and Coast Guard is right behind at 6-1 with three bonus points. These two teams face off Saturday, and the winning team, especially if it’s Rhode Island, will be in the conference diver’s seat.

Then lurking in 3rd is Vermont, hoping they tie in a low-scoring game so UVM can edge into second and set up the next Game of the Year.

Coast Guard hosts Saturday, and will want to put aside memories of their October 10 visit to URI when the Bears lost 33-17.

“Our game against URI earlier in the season was not a scenario where we played our best rugby,” said Coast Guard Coach Crist Holveck. “We were outclassed.” 

It didn’t help that it was a busy academic week for the cadets, and the distractions spilled over onto the rugby field.

“The boys didn't have there game faces on, and by halftime there wasn't enough time to recoup what we didn't do in the first half,” said Holveck.

The Rhode Island Rams, meanwhile, have their own demons to exorcise, namely their October 3 pasting at the hands of Vermont. 

“Ever since the Vermont debacle, I've believed we need to win out, so in that regard, every game is important,” said URI Coach Warren Boothma. “But you know some are going to take a lot more work and heart. That's always the case at Coast Guard. I don't know what it is. but every time we go there, they're all an inch taller and two steps faster.”

Team defense will be crucial for Rhode Island, and, added Boothman added, “refusing to allow them to organize an attack. I think we've shown an ability to open up on offense, but our defense creates offensive opportunities, and really defines the pace of our games. If we can defend and tackle well as a team, I think we'll do well.” 

“URI plays a high-risk, high-gain game,” said Coast Guard’s Holveck. “They love the kick and chase and have a speedy back three.  We have to match that dynamic, and keep the ball in hand.”

For Rhode Island, it’s also about maintaining focus throughout the game and not taking a play or a sequence off. 

“I know it's a cliche, but I don't need any one to be a star Saturday, I need them all to bring it,” added Boothman. “This group has really grown together in the last year, and one very significant development is that everyone finds his time to shine. We've gotten man-of-the-match-worthy performances out of everyone at some point this season, and I never know from week to week who will stand out.” 

Still, captain and fullback Tom Morini has been outstanding and he sparks that counterattack offense.

Coast Guard is down a player due to a red card, and because of lack of depth in their midfield they’ve been working out a flanker at center.

That will be an important development, in part because they can’t afford any more penalties from inexperience.

“We are at near full strength, and if we get focused early on and don't kill ourselves with ball handling errors or penalties this is CGA's win,” said Holveck. “Any time CGA fell behind this season, it was because of a preventable penalty streak. We are better in the set pieces than URI, and if we play clean, we will dominate.”

“I don't need to mention to anyone how important this match is,” added Boothman. “Everyone on the club is aware that the season hangs on this match. There may be a bit more intensity at practice, but I don't have to bring it up. More important to us is maintaining our focus while turning up the heat. We're acutely aware of what a lapse in concentration can cost us, and we're determined that will not happen again. And of course, even if we win this one, we'll still need to beat Norwich and Vermont to wrap up #1, so this is just the next step, but it's a big step.”