Club Division II Collegiate Squad
Northwestern falls in its spring opener to Lake Forest by the score of 23-16. Northwestern took an early lead 3 minutes into the game with a James Walsh penalty (his first 3 of 11 points in the day). A rare lapse in discipline from offsides forwards allowed Lake Forest to counter with a converted try at 20 minutes, but the Wildcats built on offensive momentum to rally back and capture another 6 points kicking, going in with a 9-7 lead at halftime.
The team played well overall but was overwhelmed by Lake Forest's pack in the scrums and lineouts. After applying offensive pressure the entire first half, NU played the second half in their defensive side of the field. Rob Brown dotted down a try 5 minutes into the half to bring NU's lead to 16-7 but that was it for the day. The team held their own with several series of 5m scrums to LF before a penalty was converted to bring it to 16-10 NU, followed by a Forrester try with about 15 minutes left to take the lead at 17-16. Lake Forest slotted another penalty extending their lead to 20-16 and rounded out their scoring with another penalty kick with 4 minutes left to bring the final to 23-16. NU was unable to capitalize on the ensuing kickoff and a few penalties their way, final score 23-16.
Walsh had 3 penalties (was 3/5 kicking, missing a 50m and 45m attempt) and a conversion, rookie Rob Brown scored his first try on a 50m breakaway. Golden Hammer award went to Matt Singer for his fantastic tackles on the wing and JJ Darling and Brendan Flannery were also singled out for solid efforts.