#11 Maryland defeated #25 Wake Forest 39-7 in College Park yesterday to remain undefeated in ACRL play and in first place in the conference. Maryland played a virtually flawless second half, outscoring the Demon Deacons 29-0 in the second stanza.
Wake Forest came into the game riding a three game winning streak and nationally ranked in Division 1-AA for the first time in the program's history. The Terrapins, meanwhile, had won ten straight conference games and were playing their first home game of the league season. Wake Forest came out of the gates fast, getting ahead 7-0 in the first ten minutes on a try under the posts by senior Brandon Turner. The try was set up by a well executed lineout and maul from the Wake forwards, but the lineout would prove to be a trouble point for the Demon Deacons for the rest of the game.
Maryland struck back quickly with a try from All-ACRL fullback Trevor Tanifum after he tracked down a ball that was kicked into the tryzone and was adjudged to have grounded it before knocking it forward. The Terps scored again in similar fashion later in the half when their winger beat a number of Wake Forest defenders to a ball kicked into the tryzone to put Maryland ahead 10-7. Wake Forest had numerous opportunities to scored in the half, but failed to execute and despite having the run of possession and territory in the first forty minutes, found themselves trailing at the break.
Maryland opened up the second half quickly with a converted try to extend their lead to 17-7, grabbing the momentum and never looking back. The Terrapins would go on to score five tries in the half, while Wake Forest rarely showed any signs of offensive threat. The Demon Deacons were constantly on the back foot and although they defended well in spurts, Maryland retained possession well and took advantage of every opportunity that presented itself.
Wake Forest now falls to 3-2 and fourth place in the conference. The squad has games remaining against third place Clemson (4-1) and second place Virginia Tech (3-3). The ACRL championship is now likely out of the equation for Wake Forest, but solid wins against the Tigers and Hokies could put them in the conversation for an at-large bid to the national playoffs.
The Wake Forest JV side gained a measure of redemption for the program in the day's second match, defeating Maryland 24-15. Senior Will Hank, playing wing, led the way with two tries while sophomore flanker Andrew Estes and senior hooker Chris Ryan also touched down.
Wake Forest will play Clemson next Saturday in Charlotte at Skilbeck Rugby Complex. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Wake Forest, but had to be moved due to field availability issues.
Wake Varsity Lineup vs Maryland
1. Matt Storck, Sr.
2. Jeff Millar, Sr. (Bryce Lambert, So. @ 50)
3. Nick Conte, Sr.
4. Christian Gutowski, Fr.
5. Paul Shumaker, So.
6. Tim Zage, So. (Matt McCurdy, So. @ 65)
7. Rob Elmore, So. (Jaime Drewery, So. @ 50)
8. Brendan Shea, Sr.
9. Will Hank, Sr. (Jack Zimmerman, So. @ 40)
10. Rob Kelly, Jr.
11. Franco Cima, So. (Tommy Kinzer, Fr. @ 40)
12. Ben Cohen, Sr.
13. Ryan Tacon, So.
14. Brandon Turner, Sr.
15. Johnny McMurray, Jr.
Tries: Turner
Cons: McMurray
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