Columbia 19 - Harvard 9
New York, NY - The challenge facing coach Hayden James's Columbia team coming into 2010 was to sustain the level of performance it displayed following last spring’s tour of Italy and France. In particular, Columbia was looking for a better result than the 78-0 defeat it suffered the last time it played Harvard in Cambridge.
From the opening moments, Columbia’s forwards dictated the match’s pace, effectively keeping pressure on Harvard’s defense. Early on, however, time of possession did not translate into points, and Harvard took a 3-0 lead in the 11th minute with a penalty goal by fullback Max De La Cal.
Columbia’s only first half score came in the 21st minute when fullback Conor Russomano took a pass from number eight Bobby McMahon following a scrum inside of Harvard's five meter line, 5-3, Columbia.
Dropped balls and a disproportionate number of penalty calls against Columbia prevented the Lions' backline from doing much damage early on, but they did limit Harvard to infrequent ventures into Columbia territory.
After mis-firing in the 24th minute, Harvard’s De La Cal, converted penalty kicks in the 27th and 41st minutes to give Harvard a 9-5 halftime lead.
Second Half
The second half started off with Columbia taking the game to Harvard and forcing the Crimson to respond. Harvard managed a couple of effective counterattacks, getting the ball within one yard of the try zone on one occasion. Harvard’s De La Cal was also off the mark with missed penalty attempt in the 8th and 16th minutes.
Columbia blew a chance to go ahead in the 20th minute when flanker Derek Lipscomb ran out of the end zone after bursting through Harvard’s end zone.
Fortunately for the Columbia, All-Ivy flanker Derek Lipscomb responded with tries in the 31st and 35th minutes. Both were converted by Conor Russomano to give Columbia a 19-9 win.
Though happy to start the season with a win, Lipscomb stressed the importance of keeping things in perspective: “I like where this team is going, but the bus does not stop here. We've got six other teams to play. If we keep our heads on straight, it should be a great year.”
Columbia 19
Tries: Conor Russomano, Derek Lipscomb (2)
Conv: Conor Russomano (2)
Pens:
Harvard 9
Pens: Max De La Cal (3)
Columbia Tweets
Harvard makes a kick for points. 0-3
Columbia puts it in, fails to convert 5-3
Harvard kicks for points again - takes the lead. 5-6.
Harvard kicks for points to end the half. 5-9.
Big defensive stop by Columbia. We'll see if they can hold them at the one.
And Columbia wins the lineout. It's still a four point game.
Columbia's threatening. Controversial called overturned what would have been a lions try.
Derek Lipscomb scores a huge try. Conor Russomano converts. 12-9.
Lipscomb scores again. Russomano's kick is good. 19-9.
Game over. Huge win to open the season for the Lions.