Blacksburg Rugby

Blacksburg's two sides may have come out on the wrong side of the scoreline in two trial matches against Virginia Tech, but there were plenty of encouraging points to be taken from the doubleheader. Although both matches featured extensive substitutions to trial as many player combinations as possible, the play was intense and entertaining.

In the night's first match, the Blacksburg developmental side, equipped mostly with players facing their second match ever, went down 57-23 but did well to run in four tries against an experienced and disciplined side of Virginia Tech reserves. The developmental side's terrific and consistently improving play, paced by Eric Jackson's man-of-the-match performance in the number eight shirt, bodes well for the future.

The first-grade match was a struggle early, but eventually Virginia Tech earned a 26-10 win with four tries and three conversions against two unconverted Blacksburg tries. Veteran lock Max Appleby was named Blacksburg's man of the match for a workmanlike performance that included a great individual try.

Blacksburg gets down to business next week against Virginia Rugby Union opponent Newport News, while the developmental side's next opponent is still being arranged. Virgina Tech's two sides, meanwhile, travel to Penn State next week to open their MARFU College Premier Competition fixtures.

Blacksburg thanks Virginia Tech for the quality trial matches and wishes them the best during their pending season.