Pygmies Bounce Back vs. NMSU 31-22

by Dave Wheelock, rugby coach

Seven days after their disappointing loss to the Albuquerque Brujos, New Mexico Tech's rugby men redeemed themselves at home with a thrilling 31-22 victory over worthy cross-state rival New Mexico State University. Tech held a 12-5 halftime lead on tries by fellow wings Mike Bauer and Rob Harrison, versus the Chiles's lone unconverted score, but it was the wild second half horserace that provided the drama.

In the second 40 minutes, Tech stretched their lead to 26-5 after tries by flanker Mark Kelly (at 9 minutes) and captain Jeremiah Wright (after 26 minutes).

But the dangerous Chiles would not back down under the Pygmy barrage, and at 28 minutes powerful scrumhalf Manny Pino broke free for an unconverted score, 26-10. Following some handling errors by NMT, the visitors once again found themselves within striking range and former Pygmy Chris Foss danced across the line for State to make it 26-17.

Socorro nerves were further frayed at the 37-minute mark, when NMSU's Ed Roebuck bagged a try to reduce Tech's lead to 26-22. Smelling blood, the Chiles launched a series of furious attacks on Tech's line, but after withstanding the assault and kicking downfield, the Pygmies began to assert their own pressure.

An attempted clearing kick from the Chile flyhalf fell into the arms of the charging Tech fullback Maximillian Charbonneau, who fed Harrison on the wing. The big wing appeared well-marked by a host of defenders, but found another gear to turn the corner and touch down between the posts, and Tech was home with a glorious 31-22 win.

Rob Harrison was selected Man of the Match by captain Jeremiah Wright for his two tries, solid defense, and excellent ball control. Fullback freshman Maximillian Charbonneau, assuming placekicking duties for the first time, was 3 of 5 on two-point conversion kicks for the day.

New Mexico Tech next swings into action on Friday, Oct 18 in the annual 49ers Days Black & Blue match versus the returning alumni team, the Ancestors. Kickoff of this always-entertaining event is set for 4:30.