ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY RUGBY CLUB

It looks like its going to be another Redwolves vs Aztecs game after Arkansas State defeated our sweet sixteen rivals St. Marys California in a closely contested match.  

The game against St. Mary saw a very impressive start from our boys as they hit the ground running, raking in 17 points that were answered by a 3 point penalty kick to SMC going into the break. However, a late yellow card to inside center Roland Evans gave an opportunity for SMC to capitalize on having an extra man and run in 2 tries that brought the game to 17-13. Clever footwork through the Gaels defence by Outside center saw ASU extend their lead by a try under the posts bringing the score to 22-13. But as the game approached the dying minutes, guns were blazing from both sides with ASU striving to hold their lead and the Gaels throwing the kitchen sink at the might of the Red Wolves defence.

A few goal line stances later, the Gaels finally bring the game to 22-18 with a nerve wrecking try in the corner. The Jonesboro ruggers had to pick up their guard and regain composure, inorder to send Dean Gericke in for his second try in what seemed to everyone as the final nail to the coffin. But in every ounce of effort they had left, the Gaels responded with a last minute consolation try that wasn’t enough to take the win from the ASU Red Wolves pack.

The final score of 29-23 gives Arkansas State an invitation to the Elite 8 against the San Diego State Aztecs who beat Bowling Green.