Wake Forest began its foray into Division II with a 28-10 victory over UNC-W in Wimington on Saturday. Wake dominated territory and possession in the first half, and were unlucky not to go into the break up more than 18-0. Senior captain and lock Andrew Jessiman left the match in the 35th minute with a knee sprain, and his absence allowed UNC-W to gain some momentum in the second half. An unfit Wake side allowed two breakaways by the speedy UNC-W back three in the first part of the second stanza, but Wake sealed the victory in the waning minutes with a penalty and converted try by senior flyhalf Tyler Eure. Wake's other tries were scored by flanker Trenton Justice, wing Perry Salvagne, and flanker Timo Kawira.
Wake's second side handily defeated the UNC-W second side 25-12 in a 30 minute match of ten on ten. Wake was led by senior flyhalf David Hobson, who scored 2 long-range tries, and junior prop Dave Poplaski who also scored a try and dominated at the breakdown.
Wake is next in action on Saturday at Wake Forest against Appalachian State, the two time defending NCRU D2 champion. This will be a huge test for the Division II newcomers.
