The Norwich Cadets traveled south to take on Brown University in a non-league match Sept. 10. Coach Bob Weggler’s squad rebounded from a 5-0 first half deficit to gain a 20-5 win.

Brown’s backline broke through Norwich’s defense at the 10-minute mark to take the 5-0 lead. Both teams had first-game jitters and made unforced errors early on. Norwich worked hard to create excellent field position but was not able to maintain continuity enough to convert into points. At the 20th minute sophomore flyhalf Johann Pretorius kicked a penalty to close the gap for the Cadets at 5-3. This is how the half ended.

In the second half Norwich put up three tries and shutout Brown’s attack with pressure defense. The Cadet’s first try was scored by junior hooker/prop Mat Maloney, the second try was by junior lock Gianni Miceli and the third try by junior hooker Pat McGrath. The second try of the afternoon was converted by senior fullback Bryon Stueber. The final score wound up 20-5 in Norwich’s favor.

“We improved our rucking and tackling as the match progressed, earlier on we turned over the ball in the ruck and had some missed tackles,” said Coach Bob Weggler. “They seemed to work through the heat and the long bus ride and performed more consistently in the second half. Any time you shut out a team for seventy minutes the defensive work rate is acceptable.”

The Cadets travel to Durham, N.H. on Saturday Sept. 17. It is their league opener against the University of New Hampshire. Other matches in the league include, Coast Guard @ Boston University, the University of Rhode Island@ the University of Vermont, and Holy Cross @ the University of Maine.