Aggies Perform Well at Cowtown.
Press Release
October 10, 2006
Written By Josh Back
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A full day of rugby saw Texas A&M play six different matches throughout the tournament. Two teams were entered; one in the open division who played first, and one in the Premier division who played in the afternoon.
The first two games pitted A&M against the University of Dallas and Baylor. Each game was a very close contest. Unfortunately the Aggies lost both times by five points. However, the fantastic debuts of several players softened the defeats and gave the squad encouragement for the games in the afternoon.
The next tie was against the University of North Texas. It was a reunion for many old teammates from the Weatherford High School programme. The Aggies came out swinging and the scrum performed magnificently. The back line was much more effective in defense and the combined effort posted the first Texas A&M win on the board.
The afternoon’s action started off with a test against new promoted Texas Tech. The Aggies won with good play all round which got the 1st XV off to a good start. Then it was the old rivals Sam Houston State. After two fine wins the previous weekend, the Aggies were confident of victory but aware that Sam could still be a tricky team to overcome. Texas A&M commanded the game throughout and came through very convincingly to set up a mouth watering tie against the USA U-19 Eagles in the final game of the day.
The Eagles, who boasted two Aggies of their own in flyhalf Hamish Roberts and prop Nick Cook, were not ready to back down from the collegiate test. With some considerable size in their pack the scrums and forwards play were very hotly contested. An exchange of penalties between Aggie stand-off Scott Johnson and the Eagle fullback created a close game. Texas A&M scored a try closely followed by the Eagles. This was the template for the entire match. A stalemate seemed inevitable until a touch of class was injected into the game. Roberts was replaced at the half but seemed rejuvenated when he reentered late in the second half. Running a great line, he carved his way though the Aggie back line and spend clear to score under the posts for the Eagle win. In the end it took some interesting refereeing and an Aggie to seal the deal for a scintillating match.
Overall, it was a very encouraging weekend for Texas A&M Rugby. A very special thanks goes out to the parents of prop Stephen Rios, who thoughtfully provided lots of water, ice, and refreshments.