Harvard University vs. University of Connecticut - 24-18

Harvard traveled to meet the University of Connecticut Saturday in a physical affair with several heavy collisions and thumping tackles on both sides. When the dust settled, UConn were left on the wrong end of a tight scoreline, 24-18.

The telling moment came late in the second half. With the match very much in the balance and his team only up by 6, Harvard winger Greg Joice ’08 decided to take matters into his own hands. Gathering the ball at half-field off of broken play, the speedster stepped and sliced his way through countless defenders to score a scintillating try. It proved the final blow to UConn’s chances, despite an injury-time five-pointer for the hosts.

Harvard opted to play with the wind in the first half, hoping to run up early points.

However, they came across a tough UConn side that would not back down from any challenge. The Huskies’ blitzing defense frustrated the visitors for much of game. Harvard eventually got on the scoreboard with two penalties, but UConn struck back with an unconverted try. Trailing by only one point at half-time, momentum seemed to swing the Huskies’ way as they would have the strong wind in their favor for the second half.

Yet, despite an error-riddled performance, Harvard were determined not to lose the game. After a successful penalty kick for Uconn, a clean line break in midfield led to Harvard possession deep in UConn territory. Harvard would capitalize after a driving maul as 8-man Teddy Barron ’11 scored his first ever try in a Crimson sweater, 11-8.

The teams would trade unconverted tries as the physicality of the match increased. As players tired, errors crept in. Good phase-work on both sides was spoiled by a wayward pass, sloppy handling, or a silly penalty. Harvard would add to their lead with another penalty to bring the score to 19-13 before Joice’s inspirational run sealed a Crimson victory.

“I always had it in me,” said Joice. “I’m much more comfortable this year with my positional play and feel well-adjusted to the higher pace of A-side games.”

“We’re not happy with our performance, but we’ll take the win.”

Next week, Harvard travels to cross-town rivals Northeastern whereas UConn meets Army.