The guys did well on the weekend to win Cowtown in their division. We started off playing University of Dallas, at 9am and obviously both teams were still waking up, the final score being 0-0. Both teams had good oppurtunities to score.
Our 2nd game against St.Thomas at 10:40 was a little better. St Thomas were a well drilled side and gave us a good game. Speedy South African centre Brent managed to score a try and our other forward come flyhalf/centre Blake Rodgers put a penalty through and we managed to hold on 8-5. This was the first time a number of the new players had played in a rugby game and they all did great.
We finished at the top of our pool and were placed in the semi-final with A&M II, the other semi was between St Thomas and TCU. We always have a good battle with A&M and this game was no exception. Our forwards stood up in this game and used the pick and drive efficiently in the 2nd half to hold onto the ball. Once again it was the backline that provided the points, with a good combination from fly half Blake and Centres ‘South African’ Brent and ‘English’ Tim. Tim finally managed to crash over and Blake added the extras. A&M came out firing in the early stages of the 2nd half and got a quick try, putting the score at 7-5. The forwards did well to hold onto the ball and Blake put over a penalty. Leaving the score at 10-5 and setting up a final with TCU.
TCU had a mobile pack of forwards and fast backs. The Baylor forwards were outstanding in this match and out muscled their oponents on numerous occasions with the pick and drive. Late in the 1st half with a good drive from the forwards we threw it wide and the Springbok managed to ‘slice and dice’ the TCU back line and crashed over, Blake added the extras.
A good break from our lock Josh put us in good field position and No 8/flyhalf/centre Blake Rodgers slotted a drop goal to put us up 10-0.
Although TCU tried to redeem themselves early in the 2nd half our forwards once again denied them possesion, especially with good drives from our locks and front row. With only minutes remaining TCU crossed for a try and converted, leaving the score at 10-7. Baylor managed to make its way back into TCU’s 22m in the last few minutes and nearly scored. The referee blew the final whistle and we held on 10-7.
Thanks to all the players who travelled up there and stuck around till the end. Aslo thanks to all the parents and supporters who came up and stayed for the semi and the final, it was great to have your support for the guys.
We now look forward to playing Sam Houston on the 27th of October at home.