Blacksburg Rugby

Blacksburg got together with neighboring club Radford University to get both sides a last trial hit-out before their respective competitive seasons begin (the Virginia Rugby Union Senior Men's Division III competition for Blacksburg, the Virginia Rugby Union Collegiate Division II competition for Radford). The match was played in an informal format of three 30-minute periods to allow both clubs to experiment with player combinations and get plenty of talented reserves on the park.

Despite the casual format, both sides offered plenty of physicality and hustle. Pressed by limited player availability and eager to try out some new looks, Blacksburg ran out a side with a few new faces and a few more playing in unfamiliar positions. The clubs traded scores fairly evenly early on, but Blacksburg found the points easier and easier to come by as the match went on and Radford made a point of getting a considerable number of newer players a chance to play. The last of the periods was cut slightly short due to weather and injury, but in the end both clubs had the chance to work through some kinks and run out everyone hey brought to the match ground.

Blacksburg appreciates Radford's willingness to cooperate and make the scrimmage match possible. Thank also go to Blacksburg club president Lou Madsen, who refereed the match when an assigned referee was not available.

Next Saturday brings another home fixture for Blacksburg when the season opens against James River from Richmond. Radford, meanwhile, will take a weekend off before beginning competitive play the following Saturday.