Dartmouth Rucks Over Argentina
by Tomas Moñahan '06

Buenos Noches,

After departing Hanover on a cold day with light snow falling, the Dartmouth Rugby Football Club arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina Thursday morning to heavy rainfall. Despite the rain and gloom, the balmy high 70 degree weather made the downpour rather refreshing. Practice was canceled due to the rain and the players and coaches made themselves comfortable in our excellent accommodations and began to explore the beautiful city. Over the past few days, the people have been quite welcoming, especially those that we have become acquainted with through rugby.

Friday morning the team traveled to San Isidro Club (SIC) for a muddy training secession in preparation for the match the following day. The facilities were quite spectacular and the lush countryside just outside Buenos Aires provided an excellent backdrop for the pitches and the clubhouse. After our practices, we were treated to some excellent Argentine hospitality and some delicious grilled jamon and queso sandwiches. That evening the team explored the city as the rain subsided and prepared for the match the following afternoon.

The team arrived at SIC the pitch early on Saturday and was able to watch hundreds of young Argentineans learning the game of rugby. There was also a youth match that displayed many of their fine fundamental skills. Kickoff against the SIC U-21s side came that afternoon as the full Dartmouth squad took to the pitch for the first time since the Northeast Championship last fall. Although Dartmouth was successful in maintaining possession and territory for a good part of the match, the SIC squad was particularly adept at taking advantage of transition ball and were able to best the DRFC by a score of 7 - 55. Despite the disappointing score, the team was proud of their effort and was able to work out some glitches in the scrum and backline that came from not playing together for so long. The SIC provided the DRFC with an excellent post match pasta lunch and following our meal we left to watch Club Universidad de Buenos Aires (CUBA) take on La Plata University in a Division one match up. The day provided the team with an understanding of the whole of the Argentine rugby system experiencing youth matches and top level club play.

The team's Saturday night was tempered by the need to play another match the next day as many on the team were reminded of the physical rigors that come with playing competitive matches. The team departed on Sunday afternoon for the rugby club Puerrydon and kickoff came at three on a beautiful hot and humid day in the fields outside the city. Puerrydon challenged Dartmouth early but strong defense on the goal line set the tone for the remainder of the match. A 30 meter scrum that was quickly played to the back line found Aziz Sayigh who found the tryzoneófullback Andrew Caspary converted the score to give Dartmouth an early 7 - 0 lead. Puerrydon quickly answered back equalizing the score. However, Dartmouth was ready for the challenge and a penalty on the 40 meter line led to quick multiphase play as forward support was able to punch the ball into the tryzone giving Josh Weinberg the try and making the score 12 - 7 at the half.

Both teams exchanged possession and territory early in the second half and Dartmouth was able to repel several strong advances by Puerrydon near the try line. Halfway through the half, the Dartmouth pack was able to push back Puerrydon on a 5 meter scrum and 8-man Mark Goodson found the tryzone; the Gordon Silvera conversion made the score 24 - 7. Puerrydon was able to find an overlap in the closing minutes of the match to make the final 24 - 12, giving Dartmouth a hard-fought international victory.

After the match the DRFC was taken to Puerrydonís primary facility for an excellent barbeque and great hospitality. Overall, Argentina has been spectacular and all of the players and coaches feel truly privileged to be touring such an eclectic and exciting city. This afternoon the team was honored with a reception at the home of United States Ambassador Lino Gutierrez. Wednesday morning the DRFC will travel across the Rio Plata to Uruguay and are excited to explore another nation, while improving our record and continuing to represent the DRFC, Dartmouth College, and the United States.

Read on about the DRFC in Uruguay