Blacksburg Rugby

A shortened match against a mixed reserves side from Virginia Tech gave plenty of new Blacksburg players their first taste of rugby union. The match, which followed Blacksburg's first-grade match against West Virginia's River Valley Vipers, was played over three 20-minute periods and featured extensive substitutions. Many of the players that Blackburg ran out had only a few training sessions under their belts, but they were more than game to cross the white line in a match setting.

Although a fair share of Virginia Tech players got their first taste of rugby on the day as well, the experience and talent of a few of the more handy college players kept them well ahead on the scoreboard throughout the match. Despite the lopsided score, though, Blacksburg's developmental side showed more than enough physicality, hustle, and heart to keep the contest exciting. There is not doubt that good things lie ahead for the players from both sides who ran out in the exhibition.

Both sides substituted liberally, so the run of play varied depending on who was on the park for each unit. Virginia Tech got most of its scoring done in the first and third periods, while Blacksburg's developing players held much firmer during the second period while putting a try of their own on the board.

The next Blacksburg developmental match is yet to be confirmed, so keep an eye on Blacksburgrugby.com for an updated schedule. Hopefully, the up-and-comers will run out again by 18 September, when Blacksburg hosts the first competition match of the season against James River.