Blacksburg Rugby

A local exhibition derby with collegiate side Virginia Tech gave Blacksburg all sorts of challeges to tune up as the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union territorial knockout rounds draw nearer. Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, themselves fresh off a respectable territorial semi-final appearance in the top collegiate division, scheduled the friendly with the aim of getting a good run-out for a lot of players on both sides. To that end, Virginia Tech rested most first-side players, while Blacksburg started a little moe than half of its first-side regulars but managed to get all reserves on during the match thanks to a liberal substitution policy agreed upon by both clubs.

The first half was a reasonable contest, with Blacksburg running in three unconverted tries for a 15-12 lead at the interval. Mass personnel changes and fatigue didn't add up right for Blacksburg in the second half, though, and the floodgates opened in the form of 55 unanswered Virginia Tech points. Although the final 67-15 tally leaves some red faces on the Blacksburg side, both clubs are satisified with the good-natured meeting and the chance to get every available player on both sides some time on the park. Loose forward Mike Lee was named Blacksburg's man of the match for strong play in good times and poor, including a bullocking individual try.

Another exhibition event is on the table for Blacksburg next Saturday, specifically an unscored scrimmage against Roanoke, after which things get serious again with the territorial quarterfinals.