Sports

Tech Rugby Club wins two of three at Vanderbilt tourney

 

Tech’s Rugby Club placed in the top three in the Oak Leaf Cup Tournament this weekend in Nashville, Tenn.

A disappointing beginning, Friday night started out when Vanderbilt University’s A-side, last year’s champions, beat Tech. With two tries, two conversions and a rare drop goal, Vanderbilt had a 22-0 victory.

“We came out flat and could never pick up the intensity,” Brad Weakley, second row back, said.

Although scheduled to compete against the College of Charleston, Tech instead played Auburn University due to Charleston’s absence at the tournament.

Unaware that the match would count for the tournament, Tech won.

With two tries from Logan O’Dell, outside center; one try from Michael Daugherty, prop; and a first-time-try for rookie Lance Bailey, inside center, and all conversions kicked by Captain Brooks Robinson, fly half, the final score was 28-0.

 “We were guaranteed at least three matches, so we got new players experience, and it was good exposure against division one teams,” Robinson said.

After only an hour-and-a-half to rest Tech faced Sewanee, who scored their first and last try of the match in the first half.

Tech’s second-string players got it together and scored three tries. These included one try by Daugherty, one byO’Dell assisted by Robinson; and one by rookie Joe Cardio, winger, with no successful conversions. The final score was 15-7 Tech.

“Because of teams not showing up to the tournament, we didn’t feel it was a legitimate game. Also, because of key injuries on the team, we decided to take Sunday off,” Robinson said.

Tech finished second in the tournament to the University of Missouri by forfeit.