Blacksburg Rugby

Blacksburg will be charging into the Spring 2011 Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union knockout rounds with some momentum after a generally comprehensive win in Roanoke to close out the Fall 2010 Virginia Rugby Union competition. After a slow start, Blacksburg got things moving for a bonus-point win blemished only by a late Roanoke try.

Blacksburg's continuity suffered early, largely due to tenacious work at the tackle area by Roanoke's forwards, and the visitors only managed a lone unconverted try in the first half. The second half was a different tale, though, as Blacksburg dotted down five times and hit four conversions before Roanoke managed an unconverted consolation try near full time.

In a reserves match played with shortened halves, both sides offered thrills with some exciting line breaks and lively defense, but Blacksburg's developmental side prevailed by a 43-17 margin.

Blacksburg appreciates Roanoke's work in hosting the match at the quality Highland Park match ground, and is particularly grateful to Roanoke for providing a developmental match to get more players from both sides a run on the day. Blacksburg also thanks referee Ian Ray for applying his considerable rugby union experience to his management of the contest.

With five wins from six in the competition and five bonus points earned through the rugby union bonus point system, Blacksburg has clinched at least second place in the Virginia competition. With table-toppers Charlottesville only needing a win and two bonus points from two remaining matches, though, first place in the competition is likely out of reach for Blacksburg barring a major clanger on Charlottesville's part.

Although Blacksburg's competitive season is complete for a few months, the club has plenty going on next week. Saturday, 6 November, brings the 2010 Blacksburg Rugby Youth Skills Clinic, which will take place at the Blacksburg match ground at 11:00 a.m., and a side of Blacksburg players from the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine will be traveling to the nation's Capitol to take on a side from Georgetown University's law school in a trial match.

Blacksburg 38 (3T McCann, T Bucher, T Pulli, T Pinkston, 4C Bucher)

Roanoke 5 (1T)

Developmental Match Scoring:

Blacksburg 34 (T Harrell, T Pinkston, T Bucher, T Averill, T Hackworth, DG Hackworth, 3C Hackworth)

Roanoke 17 (3T, 1C)