Grand Rapids, Mich. — The Aquinas men's rugby team took on the undefeated and defending national champions Principia this afternoon (Oct. 7). The Saints and the Thunder Chickens would have a heavily contested first half. But Principia would run away with the game in the second. The Saints fell to the Thunder Chickens, 26-7.

Aquinas and Principia would take the pitch and commence the game after delays. The match began with AQ kicking to Principia. Both teams would find themselves well met in the first. Both managing to drive the ball up and down the pitch. But the try line would finally get punctured by the Thunder Chickens at the 20-minute mark. 

The match would resume to a stand-still contest until three minutes remaining, Principia would find the try line and would make the conversion, setting the tone and the score to 14-0.

Aquinas would kickoff with time winding down in the first. The Thunder Chickens would mishandle the reception and earn a knock-on penalty. This error, and quick thinking from Jacob Easterling would allow him to push through the Principia defense to earn Aquinas a try. Archie Fleming lined up for the conversion and bounced it off the left post, earning the two additional points.

The Saints stole the Chickens thunder and scored right before the end of regulation. Marcel Denysschen would receive the kick and take the ball out of bounds to bring the first half to a close. AQ trailed 14-7.

The second half brought more commotion than the first. A small scuffle would bring two yellow cards, one for each team, leveling play to 14 players both ways.

Principia would capitalize on the positioning from the penalty and would score, but would not make the conversion. Leaving the score at 19-7.

Even through injuries new and old, Aquinas would continue to fight in this contest. But Aquinas would allow one more try with 12:30 remaining in the second. 

No team would find the try line for the rest of the match. Finalizing the score of 26-7.

The Saints are back in action next week (Oct. 14) for the Big Rivers Conference Tournament quarterfinals. The details are still to be determined, stay tuned for more updates.