Blacksburg Rugby

After bad early-season fortune in the form of one match cancellation and one match postponement, Blacksburg nearly hit another stumbling block when their away fixture against Blackwater was threatened by hard rains in Lynchburg, VA. Blackwater's home ground was closed, but an alternate venue was hastily arranged thanks Roanoke Rugby's generosity in allowing the match to be played on its home ground.

Roanoke's hospitality made for excellent match conditions, as the weather was sunny and the day was generally beautiful. Despite the favorable conditions, Blacksburg found themselves struggling for continuity during a match frequently interrupted by infractions in the breakdown area. All the same, Blacksburg's players showed enough perseverance to take an early lead and never rescind it despite determined opposition from Blackwater. The final score was 36-12, and man of the match Chris McCann stood out among a number of strong performers with a try, a number of determined line breaks, and fierce defense from the inside center position.

Blacksburg is extremely grateful to Blackwater for agreeing to the venue change, as well as to Roanoke for providing its facilities. Next week, it's back to Roanoke for Blacksburg as they play the host side in a key fixture, with the possibility of a reserve-grade match to follow. Both Roanoke and Blacksburg have lost only one match this season, so this weekend's outcome is crucial to both sides' campaigns. A strong showing of players and supporters in Roanoke is desired.