By STEVE HALLAS
Staff Writer
 

On Wednesday, Oct.1, and Thursday, Oct. 2, the Bates men's and women's rugby clubs held a rugby clinic, taught by special guest George Hook, the technical director for USA Rugby. The knowledge and wit of Mr. Hook was appreciated by everyone, and all involved were taught a great deal about the great game of rugby. The men took their new knowledge into the long anticipated match against their long time rival, the Colby Mules. Despite an unfamiliar pitch and an unfriendly and belligerent crowd, the Bates men played with confidence. Starting Captain and key player Paul Evans was unable to attend the game, so first year Matt Muse started in his place, in his first A side game as a Bates Rugger. The game was both exciting and heartbreaking for the Bates team. Colby quickly jumped out into the lead, but Bates came back to tie the score at 17-17 in the 2nd half. The whole game was wrought with injuries and controversial calls by the referee. Subs Damian Frye, Enrico Herring and first-year Walker Larsen took the field for injured Bates players. Many players from both teams were taken to the emergency room for treatment. Late in the second half, at the emotional climax of the game, Colby scored a controversial try to win the game, 22-17.

The following day, the Bates men travelled to Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary to perform an afternoon of community service. The team put their energy to use moving fallen logs and underbrush from the trails. They performed work that would have taken the sanctuary employees many weeks in only a few hours.

The Bates men next take the field this Saturday at 3 PM to play the ruggers from The University of Maine at Orono. All members of the Bates community are encouraged to attend what will be an exciting game.