Fans and spectators were not disappointed when they arrived at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado as they watched the four regional champions (St. John’s University, Mount St. Mary’s University, California Maritime Academy and New England College) fight for the title for the NSCRO Men’s National Champions Cup on April 25-26, 2015. In the first of two semi-final matches, two-time defending champion, St. John’s University faced an equally matched Mount St. Mary’s University. After 15 tries were scored by both teams, the Johnnies could not continue their streak this year as The Mount prevailed 55-45 in the highest scoring match in NSCRO playoff history and one of the most exciting matches most fans have ever witnessed.
In the second semi-final match, both New England College and California Maritime Academy came to the field with their eye on the prize after both teams took second place in previous years – the NEC Lions in 2014 and the Keelhaulers in 2012. At the end of the match, it was NEC with another chance at the title with a win over Cal Maritime Academy, 25-18.
St. John’s University then beat Cal Maritime to take the third place title with a score of 38-5.
In the championship match between the NEC Lions and Mount St. Mary, the steady rain made playing conditions difficult. In the end, the Lions proved mightier than the Mount with a final score of 32-15.
Women’s 7s National Championship
Over the course of two days, eight NSCRO teams from across the country took part in the NSCRO Women’s 7s National Championship, held in conjunction with the ACRA Women’s 7s National Championship, at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY on May 2-3, 2015. As in any run for a championship, there were some surprises, including the women from The College of William & Mary who placed third in their first ever showing at the NSCRO Women’s 7s Nationals and newcomers, Simpson College with only one rugby season under their belt. Wayne State College took home their second championship trophy against a formidable Mount St. Mary with a final score: 24-17.
The eight women’s teams were:
- Wayne State College – 1st Place
- Mount St. Mary’s University – 2nd Place
- The College of William & Mary – 3rd Place
- Simpson College – 4th Place
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead – 5th Place
- Tiffin University – 6th Place
- Endicott College – 7th Place
- Ohio Wesleyan University – 8th Place
For full details on the NSCRO Men’s Champions Cup, click here. Click here for a full detail on all the games played at the NSCRO Women’s 7s National Championship.
DVDs of the Men’s Champions Cup can be purchased here at $22/DVD.
The Women’s 7s National Championship matches were streamed lived via YouTube, courtesy of StreamingLife. Links to the matches are as follows:
Saturday matches – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Sunday matches – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
About National Small College Rugby Organization
The National Small College Rugby Organization was formed in 2007 to organize the Division 3 and Division 4 college rugby national playoff system which has become a vital part in developing collegiate rugby in the U.S. NSCRO also devotes its time and energy in working with every collegiate organization providing advice and ideas for growth and improvement.
There are currently over 210 men’s and over 80 women’s teams participating in local Unions and Conferences with their eye on the prize of the NSCRO Small College National Championship. This represents nearly 40% of all colleges playing rugby in the U.S. In 2013, NSCRO was recognized by USA Rugby as an independent organization, sharing similar goals for bettering the collegiate rugby experience.
Our goals are simple:
- Foster the growth and development of men and women’s small college rugby in the United States.
- Provide top-level competition and promote high-level sportsmanship on and off the field.
- Be a resource for small college rugby players, coaches, trainers and staff; and, offer a sense of community for NSCRO members.
For more information about NSCRO or, to find out how your team can become a member and participate in NSCRO’s matches, contact us at www.nscro.org.