Saturday, March 25, 2006

Tech rugby returns winless but happy from England tour

Dave Wheelock New Mexico Tech Rugby Director

While running close twice, the New Mexico Tech Rugby Club returned from England without a win in three matches played during their tour March 9-19. The team was beaten by Warlingham Rugby Football Club on March 12, Bideford RFC on March 15, and the University of Bristol RFC on March 18.

Tech's touring side, composed of 12 current Tech students and 12 alumni players, was weakened by the loss through injury of three standout players — ironically suffered in the weeks preceding the tour. The team compensated admirably for the absence of John Rundberg, Matt Majors, and co-captain Pat Garcia, yet could have used their services, particularly in the two close games.

The Pygmies narrowly lost to a young side from Warlingham, at that club's sprawling complex in the greater London area. Shrugging off unseasonably cold temperatures encountered during their entire stay in England, the Pygmies went up 10-0 in the first five minutes, courtesy of a penalty kick at three minutes by flyhalf Cory Micander and a 25-yard sprinting try by center Patrick Simons.

Warlingham collected their wits and the two teams battled evenly until 10 minutes from halftime, when one of Warlingham's two centers cashed in on some fine back play for a converted try, cutting the Tech lead to 10-7. But Simons, aided by Micander, struck back a minute later and Tech took a 17-7 lead into a shivering five-minute halftime.

Warlingham's coaching staff beefed up their side with some senior first team players during the break. This substitution, coupled with a seven-minute lapse in defensive concentration by Tech, led to Warlingham outscoring the Pygmies three tries to one in the second half, with Tech's second-half score coming from Simons. The center intercepted a Warlingham pass and scored a try to complete his hat trick.

The visitors, needing only one converted try (seven points) to win, pressed close with several sustained attacks over the last 15 minutes. However, Warlingham held fast to preserve their win.

The midweek match was an evening affair with Bideford RFC, in a charming small town near the Atlantic in northern Devon County. Bideford presented a strong team but the touring side had gelled too, resulting in a high-level match, which entertained those brave enough to attend. Bideford led 14-6 after 40 minutes on the strength of organized forward play as Tech was held to a penalty goal and drop kick by Micander.

Bideford added a try 15 minutes into the second half while Micander connected with his third three-pointer before Tech pulled within three points with 20 minutes left on a penalty try. The home side was judged guilty of repeated offenses during the Pygmies' strongest assault on the try line. Bideford scored again just before the final whistle for a 26-16 final score.

Tech's chartered bus moved on to Somerset County to face the University of Bristol in that maritime city on the last full day of the tour. Bristol, whose first team is in hot contention for the English national university championship, trotted out a squad composed primarily of second-team players to face the Pygmies.

The Pygmies could only manage three first-half penalty kicks from Micander while Bristol's impeccably-organized team play resulted in 19 first-half points and a parade of second-half scoring moves as Tech's defense was worn thin in a 44-point blitz.

Happily, the Tech tour was about more than victory on the field. The team also toured Twickenham, the constantly evolving national stadium, and attended a professional match in London. Stonehenge and the Roman city of Bath provided a glimpse into England's deep history, and hosts from Bideford RFC conducted a day-trip to Devon County's spectacular north coast.

In Bristol the Pygmy players visited the bustling commercial district and the players were housed in the homes of their opponents, providing a close-range view of English student life.

The Pygmies next see action on Saturday, April 1, as the Las Vegas Vatos and Santa Fe Santos both visit Socorro for round-robin matches.

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