Grand Rapids, Mich. — The No. 14-rated Aquinas College men's rugby team laced up against neighboring Davenport on Saturday (Oct. 5). The contest was a physical battle with a large amount of back-and-forth, but the Panthers managed set the pace and held the Saints to their back foot for a chunk of the contest. With the final whistle, DU survived the Saints by a score of 15-7.
Davenport 15, Aquinas 7
With the start of the contest the Panthers caught the Saints lacking and managed an early try in the third minute, but the conversion would not be made. Six minutes Later DU would elect for a penalty kick, but did not find the conversion keeping the contest at 5-0.
The Panthers were given a shot at redemption in the 21st minute as they once again elected for a penalty kick, this time striking true and upping their advantage to 8-0.
Both teams elected for penalty kicks once more in the first half, but neither managed to put their shots within the posts. Exiting the pitch after the first half, the Saints found themselves at the disadvantage, 8-0.
Early in the second, Davenport elected for a kick but once again missed (43rd minute). The 47th saw an extra touch of physical play from both sides, resulting in a yellow for both teams. With both teams a man down, Davenport found a hole and exploited it, giving the visitors a try and conversion to further their lead to 15-0.
The 55th minute saw the Panthers receive an additional yellow. AQ attempted to find their way through but were narrowly kept at bay. The Saints silence was broken in the 75th minute as
Jacob Easterling found a way and bulldozed his way into the try, as
Archie Fleming made due on the conversion. Bringing life to AQ as the remainder of the contest wound down.
But no additional try was found either side. The last whistle finished the game 15-7 in favor of the well equipped visitors.
By the Numbers
- Easterling and Fleming are the Saints that made their way to the scoreboard
- This is the first official game between the two teams
Up Next
The Saints will be back in action on Saturday (Oct. 12) with a 2:00 p.m. start with No. 18-rated Marian.
