After UNC-Wilmington inexplicably and inexcusably cancelled their two scheduled matches with Wake Forest on Thursday afternoon, Wake was left with only one opponent for its 3 sides on Saturday. Guilford College traveled to Winston-Salem for a 3pm kickoff. The teams agreed to a 3-30 minute period format so that Wake could get as many players playing time as possible. Wake began the match with close to a full stregnth side and expected to run rampant for the first 30 minutes. However, early season rust and a great performance from a much improved and well-drilled Guilford team resulted in Guilford having the run of play in the first 30 minutes and when the whistle sounded Wake had only a 10-3 lead, all of Wake's scoring coming compliments of flyhalf Tyler Eure who scored a try, conversion, and penalty. Wake substitiuted a number of second side players in for the second period and Guilford continued to look the better side. A penalty by replacement flyhalf JD Harrison and a try from hooker Peter Rice brought Wake's lead to 18-3, but then a Guilford back scored a tremendous intercept try which was converted to bring the score to 18-10 at the close of the second period. In the third period Wake blooded a number of new players and the more experienced Guilford team had their way, scoring 2 unconverted tries while Wake could muster no offense whatsoever. When the final whistle blew Guilford had won the day at 20-18.
In all it was a positive day of rugby. While Wake is clearly hampered by the 7 A-side regulars who are either injured or abroad, the newer players gained valuable experience against a Guilford team that has come a very long way from the team that last year was losing to Wake's second side. Close to 20 brand new players took the field for Wake on Saturday and showed a great deal of potential, while the veterans saw that they need to do alot of work to get back to the level at which they are used to competing.
Next weekend is homecoming, and Wake's first side will take on the Wake Forest Rugby Alumni, while the second/third sides will be in action against UNC-Greensboro.
1 comment:
We had a good time playing ball with you on Saturday and thought the entire afternoon was very classy.
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