Tech Ruggers in Road Win over ENMU

by Dave Wheelock, rugby coach

Sept. 14, 2002 -- New Mexico Tech's rugby team exacted a measure of road trip revenge Saturday by overcoming the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds, 22-5. Tech complimented their home win last spring to make it two in a row over their eastern cousins.

The last time they appeared in Portales, in November of 2001, the Pygmies had fallen by the score of 22-12 in arguably their poorest performance of that year. They were to have no part of backsliding this time out, though, as the Socorro fifteen dominated all phases of play for most of the game.

Despite a dearth of seasoned players in the all-important front row forward positions, Tech held their own in the set scrums (thanks to loosehead prop Alex Bourandas and rookie hooker David Vaughn) and tackled well, which allowed the team to play to their strengths elsewhere. This fall that strength lies in their seven backline positions, most of which are manned by athletes who have played together for several seasons. Indeed, all Tech's scoring Saturday came through the backs.

Fittingly, captain and senior center Jeremiah Wright opened the scoring with a five-point try after an initial 20-minute standoff in which both sides showed an inability to finish off prolonged ball possession. Wright alertly spotted a gap in the defense following a Greyhound penalty and caught the defense napping. Pat Simons could not convert with his kick attempt, and the half ended without further scoring. Alarmingly, Tech was penalized a whopping nine times in the first half, to the vast relief of their counterparts.

Tech got going just under two minutes into the second half when winger Rob Harrison made a nice pickup of a low pass and motored into the corner. Again the conversion attempt was wide, and Tech led 10-0.

Early-season miscues (plus a few more penalties by the Pygmies) then slowed progress for both teams until Simons took a pass 25 yards out and refused to be denied. This time his conversion kick was good, 17-0, Tech.

ENMU got on the scoreboard at 21 minutes after a series of penalties forced Tech against their line. Air Force sergeant James "Pinky" Reed, on loan from the Cannon Air Base, used his imposing size to crash over on a quick tap and run of a penalty. After the missed conversion it was 17-5 to the Pygmies, who promptly returned play to the Greyhounds' end of the field.

Prolific try-scoring wing Mike Bauer closed out the scoring with a try after some nice teamwork gave him room to operate. Once again the conversion sailed wide, and minutes later referee Tony Nichols whistled the end of the match.

Mark Kelly put in another exemplary performance as a loose forward, and was awarded the Irish Cup as man of the match. Paul Quintana's improvement continued at the scrum half position where he looked more at home than ever.

New Mexico Tech faces a stiff test this Saturday against the Brujos Rugby Club in Albuquerque. The Pygmies' front row is sure to be subjected to pressure against a physically large team traditionally oriented toward forward play. Tech beat the Brujos 29-19 last March on a dramatic late try.