Tech Ruggers Pass ENMU at a Gallop, 74 - 10

by Dave Wheelock, Rugby Coach

SOCORRO, N.M., April 9, 2002 --New Mexico Tech used a stingy possession game as the foundation for their runaway 74-10 rugby defeat of Eastern New Mexico University here Saturday. It was the biggest margin of victory in recent history for Tech, who ran in an eye-popping 12 tries. The Greyhounds were helpless against the onslaught as Tech rolled up 43 first-half points by virtue of a near monopoly of ball possession from set scrums, lineouts, and after-tackle rucks.

The home side was led in scoring by freshman outside center Patrick Simons of Edgewood, NM, who crossed the line for 5-point tries on four occasions. Prop Jason Lennane was kept busy kicking conversions, and was good on six of seven. The one miss was Lennane's first in this spring's seven matches. Fellow front-rower Joe Hart also kicked one conversion for the winners.

For their part, Eastern New Mexico got one try in the first half from Pat Wongwian and Joe Scholer scored one in the second stanza of play.

Rounding out the try-scoring parade for New Mexico Tech were flanker Josh Ulbricht, lock Brook Jilek (2), wing Mike Bauer (2), hooker Robert Miller, inside center and captain Jeremiah Wright, and wing Miguel Provencio. Wright was named recipient of the Irish Cup for Man of the Match for his inspiring play which set the tone for an afternoon of selfless play by the home team.

This Saturday Tech's rugby men look to avenge a 45-21 defeat last November at the hands of New Mexico State University's Chiles. The match kicks off at 1:00 pm on the campus of NMSU in Las Cruces.