GRR: Brown
Thomas More put Fairfield to the sword 70-21 to move on to the NCR D1 semifinals Saturday, jumping to the top four a year after winning the D2 playoffs.
Also into the NCR D1 semifinals are Queens University Charlotte, Brown, and defending champions St. Bonaventure.
Brown won the Liberty D1 conference Saturday night, defeating AIC 33-14.
Brown took the lead within the first few minutes behind a surging forward pack. The pressure forced a penalty which led to a lineout and a maul. The game remained 7-0 for about 15 minutes. Much of that was AIC on the front foot, but Brown's defense was very good.
Fairfield pulled off what can fairly be described as an upset, beating Iona 41-20 in Liberty Conference D1 play.
Iona played well early on and led 20-17 despite struggling to get much possession. But their discipline and patience wore thing in the second half.
Indiana won the Fighting Irish 7s on a frigid day of competition in South Bend, showing how unity and some serious 7s experience can trump other factors.
The foundation of Brown University's strong showing in the fall is heavily dependent on youth rugby.
While Head Coach David LaFlamme has some a superlative job guiding his team to an Ivy League title, the influx of talent that understood the game and know how to make the most of their talents certainly helped.