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William Paterson Rugby Cruises Past Hofstra, Advances to Semi-Finals

(Photo by Catalina Fragoso - Double G Media)

(Photo by Catalina Fragoso – Double G Media)

 

In their Tri-State Conference quarter-final match, William Paterson Rugby put on a clinic of scoring tries, defeating Hofstra University 84-5.

On a blustery day that had the goal posts bending backwards, the Pioneers took on the Pride on the Morris Rugby pitch in Morristown.  Willy P fans lined their “home” pitch to watch their team light up the scoreboard.  The Pioneers looked cohesive as team with their passing being accurate even with the wind taking the ball.  That unity helped them muscle the ball down the pitch with little resistance from Hofstra.

Where the Pioneers’ shined though was the scrum, nearly winning them all in the 90 minute game.  No matter if their scrum half or Hofstra’s placed the ball in, Willy P’s hooker and props were able to push the ball out their backs.

However, where the Pioneers’ had difficulty was converting the extra points. In Rugby, unlike American football, the ball is placed out from the spot the try is scored, not just in the middle of the pitch which can make converting for the 2 extra points a challenge.

William Paterson had several breakaway tries in the second half that led to the ball being placed along the left side of the pitch which meant the kicker had to hook the ball in.  That placement coupled with the winds and sometimes kicking from deep in the sideline crowd made most conversions unsuccessful.

The Pioneers came very close to a shutout, but, the last play of the game resulted in a Hofstra try where they were unable to convert the extra points.  Next up for the Pioneers’ will be Siena College this Sunday for their semi-final matchup.

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Kelly is the New Jersey Devils Lead Writer and Rugby Analyst for Double G Media. She is also the site's Social Media Manager.
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