Article by Alex Goff | Originally published at erugbynews Stillwater, Okla. – The West LAU College All Star Tournament was held November 4 to 8 at the home of Oklahoma State University, with Eastern Rockies taking the title after a dramatic scramble to make up points differential. Rich Cortez led a team made up of players from Air Force, Wyoming, Colorado, and Northern Colorado. Because of not having time to train together, ERRFU was expected to be rusty in their opening game, and that's exactly what happened. During a half rife with ERRFU handling errors, Ozark took full advantage and put up four tries in a 26-5 first half. Ozark scored again to make it 33-5, and then ERRFU launched a dramatic comeback, scoring 31 points. Ozark, however, scored that critical last try to win 38-36. Ozark faced Rio Grande in the next game, and used a mostly second side in that contest as Rio Grande won 40-16. Suddenly, Eastern Rockies were back in it, and needed to win by 26 to advance to the final. Down 7-5 at the half, Eastern Rockies again poured it on in the second period, scoring 36 and winning 41-12 – a difference of 29. In the other pool, Missouri RFU withdrew, leaving Heart of America and Texas to play a single match. Heart narrowly prevailed over a much bigger Texas squad 21-19, but critically they lost Truman State flyhalf and All American Sean Foley to injury. Led by the brilliant play of Air Force flyhalf John Feely, ERRFU then defeated Heart of America in the final 50-15. The game was tight for much of the first half before the fitter ERRFU side pulled away. Ryan Dombreck and Mark Burley each scored two tries, while fellow Air Force Zoomie John Lockhard added one. Wyoming's Cory Sittner also added two tries, while Dan Murphy (Colorado) and Cory Lambert (Northern Colorado) also scored. Heart of America's points came from tries by Kevin Jones of Truman State (two) and Phil Connealy of Kansas State. In the consolation match Texas defeated Rio Grande 32-6. Cortez voiced pride in a team that didn't get discouraged. "Credit goes to the kids who were committed not give up, made sure of their communication with each other, and constantly covered each others mistakes," the coach said. Alec Klinghoffer did well in running the event, which was blessed with excellent weather.
|
Tocabe - An American Indian Eatery
USA Women's 7s TournamentRocky Mtn. ChallengeDenver 7s TournamentNews by League
Men's Club Division 2 Men's Club Division 3 Men's Club Division 4 Men's College Division 1A Men's College Division 2 Men's Small College Men's/Women's Club 7s Men's/Women's College 7s Pacific Rugby Premiership PRO Rugby North America Women's Club Division 1 Women's Club Division 2 Women's College Division 1 Women's College Division 2 Women's Premier League Other News & Notes
Men's Club All-Stars Men's College All-Stars Men's U20 Program Denver Elite City 7s All-Stars Regional Events RMR Admin News & Notes RMR Hall of Fame USA Rugby Education Clinics USA Rugby National Teams Women's Club All-Stars Women's College All-Stars Social Media News
|