Rugby goes head-to-head with Wilbraham and Monson

Head Coach Brian McMahon
Today, we hand over the blog to Head Rugby Coach, Brian McMahon, for a recap of KUA's recent match against Wilbraham and Monson Academy.

Here's Coach McMahon:
On Saturday April 28, thirteen members of the KUA Rugby team travelled to Wilbraham and Monson Academy for a match. A 15-a-side match was changed to 7-a-side, which then morphed into a ten-a-side match. Outnumbered two to one, the boys of KUA quipped, “Let’s play two,” and that is what they did. A mishap on a kickoff quickly led to a 7-0 WMA lead. As KUA struggled to find footing, the home team quickly took a 21-0 lead before KUA got into rhythm. Rucks were won and the ball was moving down the pitch. Xavier ’19 was the first to find the try area, and then followed up with a successful conversion kick. After a series of successful rucks, Elliot ‘18 broke free for a 40-meter try, and Xavier, once again added the conversion. Unfortunately, WMA was able to match these with scores of their own.

At the half, both sides had played a full 10-a-side match. With only three players available for substitution, time off the pitch was not an option for many as the second half began. KUA once again took control of rucks and started multi-phase attacks. After the WMA scrum half stole a pass for a quick 30 meter try, Xavier broke open a 45-meter run for yet another try. Tanner ’18 took a wide pass around the corner for a long run in. Xavier added the final conversion of the afternoon and was stopped just short of another long run. The final score was WMA: 52, KUA: 26.
 
 ‘Man of the match’ went to leading scorer Xavier (16 points). Despite playing half of the match in new positions, Elliot and Antonio ’18 both played superbly. Trevor ’18 controlled lineouts as number two jumper, and was huge in crashes out of rucks. Leading the forwards in contact and tackles were Charles ‘18, Keetae ‘19, and Cole ‘18. Along with Manuel ‘20 and others, they can attest to the rigors of tackling a 300-pound prop with a propensity for running the ball. KUA newcomers Tong ‘18 and Thomas ‘19 joined veterans Hamson ’19 and Tanner as wings/fullbacks and all four were everywhere on the pitch. Each had many solo tackles on breaks to the outside, and all had to adapt quickly to an unexpected kicking game by the WMA fly half. Thomas and Andrew ‘21 were also called on to play different positions in the afternoon. The heat of the day, the tired bodies, and the size and number of the opponents meant only that KUA would have to give it their all. Despite the score, it was a great day of rugby.

Thank you, Coach McMahon, for your colorful recap. Rugby returns to action Sunday, May 13, at Proctor Academy.
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