Cardinal Points

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Hayner Jeff Blackburn (left) and Chris Thompson (top) work with two other ruggers during men's rugby practice at the rugby field on Sept. 25.

The Plattsburgh State men's and women's rugby teams are still both searching for that first win.

For the men, a bye week couldn't have come at a better time last week, as the PSUC ruggers looks to improve on a 0-2 record following a couple tough losses early in the season.

They travel to take on 0-2 St. Lawrence tomorrow. St. Lawrence has netted -29 points in just two games, so it is a match up that should favor PSUC.

The men's team started off the 2007 Empire East Division II schedule on the road against arguably the two best teams in the division in SUNY Albany and Colgate University, dropping 20-5 and 17-15 decisions.

Despite the losses, PSUC gave the undefeated division leader Colgate quite a run. A measly two points was all that came between the teams, with PSUC proving they can play with the best, including on the road.

With no team in the division but Colgate having more than one win, and PSUC with a game to spare on four of the seven teams, the team has a chance to climb up the standings very quickly with a few wins.

"We had two tough games - they were really close," Club President Joe Davin said. "This weekend we play away, then the rest of the games are home. So we're going to try and get some wins there."

Next weekend the men's team opens a three-game home schedule to finish off the season, with matches against Union, RPI and Sienna.

As for the PSUC women's rugby club team, things are changing this year - and for the better. The 2007 fall season marks the first ever time the club has had someone to call "coach."

"He's been very helpful," Club President Bonnie Leitch said, referring to new coach John Bradley.

According to Leitch, a junior, Bradley's presence has been extremely helpful in the development of the new players.

"[John] has helped in a lot of ways, like putting up an Angel program online for the players with different links having to do with Rugby," Leitch added.

Not only is the coaching situation a fresh change this season, so is the size of the roster. "It's the first time since my rookie season that we've actually had to sit players," Leitch said.

The women's 2007 fall schedule consists of four games, one of which was played last week, resulting in a tie against Albany.

This weekend the team takes on Potsdam, with Oswego coming to town the following week.

The final game of the season will be Clarkson, though the location of the match is yet to be determined.

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