K-State / Fort Riley vs. KC Blues DII

 

Played on March 13, 2010 at Rockhurst University

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Score: 32-12 KSUFR

Summary: To tune up for next weeks playoff match against Colorado State, KSUFR played the KC Blues' Division II side.  KSUFR came out strong despite missing some starters who were traveling for spring break.  Tyler Hodges scored the first try of the match 5 minutes into the game after a good pass from Alesana Alesana on a weak side overload. Joe D'Agostino missed the conversion attempt from the sidelines and KSUFR had an early 5-0 lead.  Before long, Kenny Scott scored on a breakaway down the left sideline.  He was able to center it and D'Agostino slotted the conversion to give KSUFR an early 12-0 lead.  KSUFR continued to control possession and territory for most of the first half with good rucking and solid tackling.  Captain Dan Knapp scored the next points for KSUFR with a penalty goal from 25 meters out for a 15-0 lead.  Hodges scored the next try on a long run after KSUFR turned over a Blues ruck for a 20-0 lead.  Scott scored the final points of the half with another long try down the left side making the score 25-0 at halftime.

The second half started out much differently with the Blues bringing in a wave of experienced subs at halftime.  The Blues were able to score the first two tries of the half on a brief episode of sloppy tackling and brought the score to 25-12 with twenty minutes left to play.  At this point, KSUFR brought in their 3 subs (including Afale Taula on loan from the Blues).  KSUFR regained control of the match and scored the games final try with Lee Skiver dotting down after some good phase rugby.  Knapp hit the conversion, and the game finished with the score at 32 - 12.  It was a very good win against a larger and more experienced club, and should prove to be good preparation for Colorado State next weekend.