Ruggers overwhelm Colorado Visitors, 85-10

Right: Pablo Garibay and Josh Hanson, deputized to WSC, look for an outside gap in their NMT teammates' defense.

SOCORRO, March 5, 2005 -- The anticipated rugby fireworks ended up coming mostly from one end of the field on Saturday, March 5, as New Mexico Tech's Pygmies obliterated an undermanned Western State College team 85-10. The Pygmies ran in a whopping total of 13 five-point tries, and Patrick Simons's 10-for-13 conversion kicking did the rest of the damage. The Mountaineers could only manage two second-half tries in reply.

Due to transportation problems on the long road from Gunnison, Colorado, the Mountaineers arrived in Socorro Friday night a few short of a full fifteen-man side. Despite being reinforced with extra NMT players they could not hold the line on an explosive home team hitting on all cylinders.

Playing in ideal weather conditions, the Pygmies presented balanced teamwork, combining for seven tries from the backs and five by the forwards. Tries were scored by: David Yazzie, Matt Majors (2), Rob Harrison, Pat Simons, John Rundberg, Mike Bauer, Matt Nelson, Paul Quintana, Seth Daly, Ivan Mecimore, and Tory Tadano. Majors was selected Man of the Match by co-captains Pat Simons and Pat Garcia. The win moves Tech's spring season record to 3 wins and one loss.

Western State put two tries across in a two-minute span during the 40-minute second half, at 30 and 32 minutes. Both scores were touched down near the sideline, and neither was converted.

The Pygmies next match will be March 26 in Albuquerque against the Brujos Rugby Football Club.