Blacksburg Rugby

Blacksburg's Developmental side got off to a great start with an exciting local scrimmage derby match against the Virginia Tech Academy side played at the Blacksburg "Rose Garden" oval under sunny conditions. The match was played as an unofficial scrimmage to allow both teams a chance to get some good match experience, but both sides' spirited play gave no hints at the match's exhibition status.

A few seasoned players dotted the Blacksburg Developmental roster, but the lion's share of the up-and-coming group had never played a full rugby union match before. Blacksburg Developmental didn't look like novices, though, as they battled fiercely against an experienced and well-disciplined Academy side.

Clever attacks out wide earned the Academy a 24-0 lead in the first half, but the dogged Blacksburg Developmental players struck back to win the second half 17-12 for a 36-17 final scoreline. Both sides were able to go to the bench extensively during the match, allowing extensive testing of combinations and plenty of opportunities for players to get a run. Coach Chuck Rockwell praised the players' overall efforts and named loose forward Erick Jackson man of the match.

Before Blacksburg begins its Virginia Rugby Union fixtures for the season, One more night of cross-town exhibitions with Virginia Tech looms next week in the form of a Friday night doubleheader on the university campus starting at 6:00 p.m. All Blacksburg and Virginia Tech supporters are encouraged to attend.