Texas A&M hosts Rugby Tournament

COLLEGE STATION- The Gareth Jones Memorial Rugby Tournament was held in College Station this weekend hosting teams from the Houston area, Dallas, Austin, and College Station.

The Friday night match held at the Penberthy Complex on campus was a Cup Match between two top teams seeking the first and second seed for the upcoming State Championships to be held in Katy the weekend of April13-14.

The St. Thomas Eagles, in their white and red uniforms matched up against Austin RFC in their Navy and Gold striped uniforms. The crowd was small but Rugby fans from A&M were attendance to lend their support to the sport.

Both teams were uncompromising and played with the aggressiveness one would expect in a college rugby match. Although Austin scored first and seemed to have the momentum most of the first half, St. Thomas persevered and tied the score at the half 12-12. Simmons and Gutkowski were both responsible for a field goal while Mills kicked the extra points.

The second half was a battle of defenses as both teams applied steady pressure to the other. Both Austin and St. Thomas scored to bring the game to 19-19.

However, it was St Thomas with the last possession, an opportunity to take the game, and put the last points on the board. The Austin defense held and the clock ran out before the Eagles could score the try.

Frustrated, both teams left the field feeling the sting of a tie after such a hard played game. As with any contact sport, there were those who were a little battered and bruised after the night of action.

Although spirits were a little low, it was evident that tomorrow would be a new day and that this St. Thomas team would start the tournament tomorrow fresh and ready for the competition ahead.

Results of tournament action will be posted. Stay tuned for full coverage of the State Rugby competition in April. Even better…plan to attend this event and learn more about a sport that is growing rapidly in the U.S.A.

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