SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Men's Rugby Club dropped its first match of the 2010-11 season, falling to Bryant University 22-3.

The game opened with two quick tries from Bryant. Roger Williams settled down and held Bryant for the rest of the half - often under a lot of pressure and territory disadvantage.

The Hawks scored a penalty one minute into the second half, making it a one score game to level it up. Yet Bryant gained a lot of possession and were held up several times by RWU on their own goal line. In fact, the Bulldogs failed to take their points from penalties and jeopardized their chances of closing the game out.

In the end, Bryant's territorial advantage paid off with two late tries to cantor home to an easy victory. The game was characterized as a good overall match with quick learning curves from rookies on both teams. However, the scrappy play of both team resulted in penalties for offsides, rucks, mauls, and an unusual number of needless crooked lineouts.

Roger Williams will next host Providence College Saturday at 1:00 p.m.