WMA 27 KUA 10
The Kimball Union rugby side dropped the season opener falling 27-10 to Wilbraham Monson Academy. WMA opened the scoring with a try scored from 10 meters out. Minutes later, WMA again found the try area after multiple phases and quickly took a 12-0 lead. At that point, however, the members of the KUA squad began to exhibit their own impressive play. KUA mounted many multi-phase attacks on offense, and played solid defense in rucks and mauls. One more try before the half found WMA sitting on a 17-0 lead.
Despite being tired and sore after a physical half of ball, KUA played impressively in the second half. With solid ball control and commitment in rucks, mauls, and lineouts, KUA mounted a number of offensive drives, which culminated with Will Robbins Cole’s 3-point penalty conversion. WMA managed two more try’s before junior Arthur Hwang answered with KUA’s first try of the season. It was an impressive drive supported by both forwards and backs. Will Robbins-Cole put through the conversion to bring the score to 27-10.
Recent weather conditions made for a very tough pre-season. The 19 young men on the KUA RFC knew today was going to be a challenge, and all members rose to the occasion. Half of the members of the KUA side are new to the sport this season. By the start of the second half, though, it was simply 15 rugby players striving for the upset of a bigger stronger opponent while working as one unit.
Offensively, KUA played excellent ball throughout the afternoon. Lead by Will Robbins -Cole at flyhalf, Asher Pollak at scrum half, and Jorge Manzur at inside center, KUA mounted many attacks from the inside three. Will consistently looked for the man-up scenarios when running plays. Asher, although new to the position, took control at all rucks and mauls, and kept the ball moving. Jorge, playing a very tough position for the first time, was constantly bringing the attack to their back line. Despite being banged up early on in the match, he never slowed his attack.
Freshman newcomer Xavier Manning put his football skills to work and had an excellent outing at outside center. He was often one move away from a try throughout the afternoon. Shifts in positions brought Nihad Alizade to the fullback position. With no ability to practice at the position prior to the match, Nihat quickly set about finding the best way to help both offensively and defensively. Brandon Yep returned to the wing position to help secure the outside flank as well as be the go to last option. Freshman Busara Hall played the opposite wing, and quickly got his taste of rugby. Despite being outweighed by 100 pounds, he took on and brought down the oppositions number 8. Busara also had a number of great runs on the day. Tanner Fisher, in his first match ever, went through trial by fire. He was involved in big plays on the offensive and defensive side of the match. He had a great first match!
The play of the pack on the afternoon was nothing short of outstanding. Arthur Wang was everywhere! He helped clean up many rucks and mauls and was the first try scorer for the year. Props Henry Hamilton and Antonio Suer were excellent with their line out lifts, and led a number of maul pushes to advance the ball. Antonio had some excellent runs and almost scored the first try with a lone drive through multiple defenders. Flankers Rintaro Kawahara and Anthony Intrieri were committed to rucks and mauls whether offensively or defensively. Rintaro had some great ruck plays, and Anthony always seemed to be the first to the ball. Anthony had some key tackles on the afternoon. The second row was led by Trevor Adams and Elliot Stevenson. Trevor, while new to the number 2 jumper position, was 100% in receptions and tap outs on the day. He was also a strong presence in rucks and mauls. Elliot had solid success as number 4 jumper. He also had a number of tackles on the day despite an early nose injury, and was a constant at rucks and mauls. Nick Powers commanded solid line out calls and throw-ins that helped control the game at a time the side needed it the most. Nick also had a number of tackles on the largest members of the opposition!
Charles Qian saw his first action of the season and was soon involved in a number of tough situations. Despite being new to the game, Charles played like a veteran and helped maintain drives.
KUA plays Kearsarge on Wed 4/20 at New England College. KUA is looking forward to the return of lock forward Patrick Quinn, and the impact of Hamson Shen on the next match.
