Tigers Rugby lost a heat breaker Wednesday night (3/10/2010) to a sharp and strategic Regis Jesuit High School by a score of 20-7. Arguably one to the closest matches ever played between these two clubs was going well for the Tigers early. Nick Allen capitalized on a territorial advantage gained by an Anthony Puglise kick and gradually drove his team to the goal line. The wind was an advantage to the Tigers in the fist half, allowing deep penetration at least three occasions. Forwards played a solid, aggressive match in the loose play early on. Uncontested rucks in each half cost the Tigers what turned out to be valuable time , as Regis Jesuit demonstrated a better organized attack.
Albert Whitemore missed a kick in the first half, but put the Tigers ahead with a conversion kick after the first try to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Before the end of the first half, Regis placed the ball well with kicking deep into the Tigers end, where a maul was pushed forward, then rolled right to let Regis back in the match with a halftime score of 7-7.
The second half was a well-played match that was eventually decided by Tigers Rugby penalties. Two successful penalty kicks brought the score to 13-7 and made it difficult for the Tigers to wrestle the Bishop’s Cup out of the hands of the Red Raiders. A late Regis Jesuit try sealed the deal for their 7th straight Colorado Catholic HS Rugby Championship, by a final score of 20-7.
The B side was another great rugby match to watch in the bitter cold. Rookies put up the first rugby tries of their careers, which was the highlight of the night. Tigers Rugby brought their overall record to 5-6-1 with a 17-5 victory of a tired Regis B side.
Michael Fagundo and Alec Walters led the Tigers into battle against Regis Jesuit’s B-side. Fagundo, one of the Tigers earliest recruits this year handled the critical scrumhalf duties well and put the Tigers on the board early with a middle try that allowed Alec Walter to convert the kick for a 7-0 lead. More good things happen when King Medlin got the ball and found space to set up Braden Thunell, who joined the Tigers brotherhood of try scoring Zulu warriors. Anthony Puglise scored a try in the second half to give the Tigers a 17-5 final score in their 5th win of the season.
Tigers Rugby Football Club moves back to second place in the standings with a 2-1 record in league play. We will play 6 non-league matches Saturday in the annual Spring Fling Tournament against Denver East A & B, Aurora and Ft Collins. Warm-ups are at 9:00 for the first match. Details will be emailed to the players, coaches and parents in our Google Group.
Great effort, and though some losses are more bitter, that intensity is part of the package at the highest level. Playing better teams, win or lose, will make you better. Tigers Rugby has many blessings. Brush off the dust, and let’s PLAY ON!
