This past Friday, a mostly second string UMRFC hosted Saginaw Valley State University at Oosterbaan Fieldhouse. Besides the matches played in France over Spring Break, SVSU was the first second side match of the year. It was also the first match ever for some newcomers to the squad. Excitement and anxiety rose as fans poured in for both teams.
SVSU’s continuous support at the breakdowns was a key to their success the entire night. It was not too long after the game had started before their hard crashes gained them significant yardage. A hard line from the 50 brought them to Michigan’s 5 yard line but a penalty allowed Evan Noon to boot it away. However, SVSU pounded the ball back to the 5 yard line once more, but this time another crash earned them the first try and conversion of the night, 7-0 SVSU.
Michigan had some success with their back line passing despite a line up with limited experience playing together. Following the SVSU try, Michigan would get possession within SVSU’s 22 yard line three times only to lose possession via penalties.
Saginaw would add to their lead about half way through the first half when a missed tackle by Michigan allowed SVSU to break for a try. A missed conversion left the score at 12-0. Michigan would try to counter with their own try but a knock on at SVSU’s 30 denied any chances once more. To add to Michigan’s frustration, SVSU pounded a third try in from Michigan’s 30 yard line to make the score 17-0. Confusion after a penalty, added yet another try for SVSU to leave the score at 22-0 at the half.
With both sides attempting to substitute in new players, it was decided to create two separate periods to the second half. In the second half, Michigan finally strung together a continuous series without penalties. Following a line out at the 50 yard line, Michigan drove down to the 10 yard line. After a quick Michigan scrum, Evan Noon ran it in and kicked his own conversion to make the score 22-7. Soon after though, a series of Michigan penalties would lead to another Saginaw score and missed conversion. Danny DiGregorio, the senior hooker, would give his team some momentum after a beautiful try from a crash ball at SVSU’s 20 yard line.
In the third period, Michigan’s penalties continued to prevent them from coming back. The final score was 32-12 in favor of Saginaw Valley State University. Despite the losing effort, the UMRFC’s Killer B’s showed marked improvement from off-season training and practice. The UMRFC will host Grand Valley State University this Saturday, March 24th.
1. Paxton Plum
2. Chris Vasileff
3. Ben Shapiro
4. Nick Marcus
5. Sergio Rocha
6. Cam Watson
7. Steve Davidson
8. Ty Waters
9. Chad Kelsey
10. Evan Noon
11. Brandon Gardner
12. Steve Offringa
13. John Palladino
14. Mark Borowski
15. Phillipe Kirschen
16. Danny DiGregorio
17. Dustin DeMink
18. Mike Manzano
19. Forrest Gilfoy
20. Ben Clemens
21. Chris James
22. Richi Kanu
23. Andrew Bituin
24. Colin Ward
25. Mohammad Sufian
