Elmhurst Drop Hard-fought Match Against Forest City

2 April 2017

Elmhurst Rugby traveled to Rockford in their first match in club history. Forest City scored first and early, capitalizing on overloads to the back line. Elmhurst worked to correct their defense, as well as consistently won the rucks, scrums and lineouts.

Alex Swintek made a nice run to score a try after the Elmhurst boys pushed the ball into Forest City’s territory after consistently winning several phases of play. Ryan Blessing did not convert the first try.

Later in the first half, Alex Swintek again took the ball breaking tackles and carrying several defenders across try line to score. This powerful run made Swintek look like a veteran 8-man and not someone playing his first match of rugby. Blessing converted the try.

The second half proved more difficult for either side to score. Elmhurst continued to win nearly all lineouts, maintained control of the ball when on the attack, and won possession in a few defensive rucks as well. In the end, defensive play was the weakest link in this match and Forest City capitalized with a few more scores.

Elmhurst managed to score one last time when kicking for posts after awarded a penalty. Into the wind from approximately 22 meters out, Ryan Blessing showed good accuracy and earned three more points for the day.

Overall, every Elmhurst boy played with great intensity making the coaching staff very proud in their first outing.

Final score was 42-15, Forest City. ‘Man of the Match’ awarded to Alex Swintek.