Coast Guard and Hartford look to be on a collision course in the New England Wide conference in Men's DII College, as both won this weekend.

For Hartford, it was a big Saturday as they beat defending conference champs Springfield 20-10. Club president and Troy Solt flyhalf/fullback said the Hawks entered the season expecting to do some good things.

"We didn't graduate a lot of players and so we've got a pretty experience team," said Solt. "Going into the game against Springfield we knew we just needed to stick out tackles. It also helped us that the field was wider than it was when we played them last year. We had a bit more space and was able to attack wide."

Several players have stepped to the fore on the Hartford team, including versatile freshman Domenico Hegglin, who came in with some HS experience and has played at center and prop, showing some valuable versatility. Mike Albenese has been in good form at hooker, while Greg Roto led the defensive effort against Springfield. 

Dylan Ring continues to ask questions of defenses.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard won in Sunday, running out to a 31-0 lead over CCSU and then holding on 41-5. Coast Guard managed the victory despite being without Jordan Lachowsky, a converted basketball player who has emerged as one of their go-to players at No. 8.

Head Coach Crist Holveck said Lachowsky is a good athlete who also has learned the finer points of playing No. 8. But he was absent, and the CGA won comfortably regardless, and they have their own Mr. Versatile in Austin Ross, a snappy little player who can play scrumhalf, flyhalf, fullback, or pretty much anywhere in the backline. Ross's abilities allow Holveck some flexibility in his substitutions.

"So far so good," said Holveck of the 4-0 season. "We know Hartford is out there. But we're happy."

Coast Guard moved from the NECRC to the NEWRC this year in large part because most of the New England Wide teams are in Connecticut, and thus travel is much easier.

"It's really nice getting back home before the sun sets," he said. "It's been a good move for us."

Hartford also is looking forward to that Coast Guard game on October 28, but, said Solt, there's some rugby to be played before then.

"We are concentrating on CCSU this coming week, and then WSCU after that," he said.