Northeastern University continued its run of outstanding defensive performances, even if this time they allowed their perfect record to be blemished a little.

Middlebury flyhalf Brian Sirkia kicked a first-half penalty goal for the Panthers, and that constituted the first points of the league season allowed by Northeastern. The Maddogs allowed no more, cruising to a 34-3 victory.

Northeastern Coach Mike Rosbottom said the defensive performance was good.

“Late in the game they realized they needed tries and they came at us, taking the lineouts on penalties and driving,” Rosbottom told RUGBYMag.com. “Our guys held them out.”

Rosbottom added that the game was much closer than the final score makes it appear. 

“Middlebury are technically very sound and worked hard all day,” said Rosbottom. “But our guys did a good job with their tactical kicking and ensuring we played the game in their half. And we made them play a lot of defense.”

And that played into the hands of Northeastern’s big, physical pack.

Northeastern now leads the East Coast Rugby Conference with a 3-0 record, while SUNY Albany, 19-18 winners over BC, are 2-0. They are the only two unbeaten teams in the competition, although Connecticut is yet to play.