Elmhurst fight hard in 32-28 loss to Marine Academy

28 April 2017

Elmhurst Rugby traveled to Marine Leadership Academy to play a Friday night game under the lights. The Elmhurst boys started slow, with Marine leading in points, 15-0, through the first 20 minutes of play. Elmhurst would not give up and Nicholas Bauer ignited a fire from a free kick trapped deep in Elmhurst territory. Bauer took the kick himself, charging up the field and recovering the ball after a single bounce before the opposing fullback could put hands on the ball. Bauer touched the ball down for Elmhurst’s first score of the night. Ryan Blessing converted the try.

Marine managed to put another score on the board, closing the first half at 20-7.

The second half saw a flurry of Elmhurst activity. CJ Cote took the ball in from the 5 meter line dragging multiple defenders across the line and touching the ball down with a marvelous second movement after the tackle. Alex Swintek again put points on the board scoring on two occasions, both of which originated at the halfway line and involved incredibly powerful and evasive running by Swintek. Blessing was perfect on the day, converting all four tries.

Despite the pressure put on by Elmhurst, Marine Academy ended the day victorious with a score of 32-28.

Elmhurst ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Ben Bernard for his consistent strong defensive play, control of the rucks, and leadership within the forwards. Bernard also sucked in the defense with multiple runs from the ruck that set up opportunity for the backs.