NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The Norwich University men's rugby team dominated in the first half on Senior Day to give the Cadets a 25-15 victory over the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Norwich scored four unanswered tries at fifth, 11th, 22nd, and 30th minutes of the first half to take a 20-point lead.
The first two tries were scored by senior flanker Kevin Hoelzer, the third by junior flanker Jeff Owen, and the fourth by senior captain Seamus Page.
At the 37th minute Coast Guard kicked a penalty kick to get on the board. Norwich led 20-3 at the half.
Coast Guard closed the gap with a try at the 58th minute to cut the deficit to 20-8.
Norwich added to their lead with a second try by Page to push the lead to 25-8. Coast Guard scored a converted try at the 70th minute to bring the score to 25-15.
Norwich finished the match inside the Coast Guard's territory by solid forward surge a few feet from the in-goal line, but Coast Guard held strong and denied Norwich's sixth try of the day.
When the whistle blew to end the match Norwich had a well-earned, 25-15 victory.
"The boys came ready to play. It was a real team victory and a great day for our outgoing seniors," said NU head coach Bob Weggler.
Norwich improved to 5-3-1 in NECRC play and 6-3-1 overall. The Cadets close out the season at league-leading University of Vermont next Saturday.
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