Match Report: Western Washington University

It was a gray PNW day in Ferndale, WA, for our second exhibition match. UW traveled with 50 players, each getting playing time, and for 14 of them, it was their first ever rugby game outside of last week’s scrimmage.

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WWU looked sharp, opening the scoring with a converted try. While our defense showed intent, the challenge to contain a fast-moving WWU team proved difficult. Their defense shut down our attack and their 1st XV was more disciplined than ours. UW remained scoreless for the first 30 minutes, while WWU scored 3 tries, 2 conversions, and 1 PK in that time.

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Score of the first 30 minute period: UW 0 – WWU 22

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While we leaned towards senior players to start the game, and held some talented new recruits off the field, the balance shifted as we brought them in. Shunsuke Nakatani, freshman scrumhalf, showed class and sound decision-making under pressure, with well-placed chip kicks and quick delivery from rucks. Efforts by Rylan Reinebach, freshman from Camas, WA, to break the gain line were thwarted, challenging us on how to use this powerful ball-carrier going forward. This second 30 minute period finished with 2 unconverted tries for UW, one for WWU.

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Score of the second 30 minute period: UW 10 – WWU 7

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The 3rd period was a true 2nd XV. WWU scored two linebreak tries, exposing some UW deficiencies in tackling and defensive gaps. Despite the depth and talent of the WWU squad, we were proud of how our 2nds challenged them, playing ½ of the period in the WWU half, and controlling much of the possession. A few missed tackles led to the Vikings dotting down.

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Score of the third 30 minute period: UW 0 – WWU 10

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Our 3rd XV was exciting to watch, as the weather turned and play became sloppy. The Dawgs kept possession for the majority of the period, with WWU conceding many penalties, and allowing us to march down the field. Although the attack was fairly 1-dimensional, the Dawgs kept possession for 10+ phases on multiple occasions. New fly-half (his first time playing in that position and with only one season of experience on the wing in high school was Luca Geissler-Norseng, freshman, who slotted two PKs, an energizing way to finish the day.

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Score of the fourth 30 minute period: UW 6 – WWU 0

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It was a great day of rugby, with some great takeaways and a good representation of the standard that will be expected if we are to be successful in conference play. Our next meeting with WWU will be Nov. 22nd at home, for the one that counts.

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Next week: Apple Cup Game vs WSU

1st XV kicks off at 1pm at home

2nd XV vs UPS to follow

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This is an Alumni Day - LET’S FILL THE SIDELINES WITH PURPLE AND GOLD!!!

We’ll gather with coaches, alumni, family and friends at Duchess Tavern after the games.