Riding high after a historic win against Army and dominant performances against formidable Northeastern and Harvard, the DRFC looked to continue their undefeated season as they took on what was said to be the strongest squad put forth by Ivy League rivals Brown. After a close matchup for the Ivy League Championship two years prior, the Men in Green knew they were in for a challenge as they took on an impressive Brown squad which was looking to break a 25-year losing streak against Dartmouth.
The game kicked off in a sunny, brisk afternoon in Hanover. A series of early thumbing tackles and relentless pressure from both sides foreshadowed the dogfight of a game which ensued. Early on Brown shocked the Men in Green as they scored after phases of hard-carries, crisp passing, and heads up rugby all stemming from a 50-meter line-out. This marked the first time in the season the Dartmouth defense broke not from their own mistake or moments of individual brilliance, but from a well-executed offense; Brown came ready to play.
Yet the DRFC was quick to respond after pressure from kickoff led Brown to a poor exit which allowed Captain Mike Weir to hang a dangerous high ball recovered by young-stud Abraham Kamara. Seeing their own defense compressed and the Dartmouth offense ready to strike, Brown made the clever sacrifice of conceding a not-releasing penalty giving Mike Weir a shot at goal; missed inches right. Moments later Brown found themselves once again in the back foot and conceded another penalty, only this time Mike Weir would punish them: Dartmouth 3-7 Brown.
The next 30 minutes of the first half saw the persistence Dartmouth attack knock on Brown’s door repeatedly, yet the Brown defense showed incredible resilience and prevented Dartmouth from touching down the five. It was a penalty conceded nearing the end of the half that allowed Mike Weir to use his boot and add 3 more points for Dartmouth. Yet Brown responded fast, scoring another from creative phase play right before the halftime whistle blew; Dartmouth 6-12 Brown.
The second half started much the same way the majority of the first half played out: Dartmouth relentlessly attacking Brown’s line with the Brown defense miraculously managing to hold-off. It was at the 58-minute mark that the Big Green finally managed to crack the Brown defense with a beautiful 25-meter pass out wide from non-other than skipper Mike Weir to Ulysses Brenzel who cuts back inside to beat his defender and seal the try. Skipper Mike Weir converts the difficult kick putting Dartmouth ahead by one. Yet it was a short-lived advantage as an obstruction call one phase off kick off gave Brown the opportunity to take the lead, which they did.
The last 20 minutes of the match was some of the most gritty, hard-fought rugby the Ivy League has ever seen. Both sides wanted it, and they wanted it badly. Dartmouth had their chances, with multiple line breaks and shots at goal. Ultimately, the Brown defense held, prevented Dartmouth from scoring, and took the game. Final score: Dartmouth 13-15 Brown. It was a devastating lost for the DRFC, but one they will learn from. The Men in Green look forward to setting the record straight and reclaiming their title next season.