Marquette Park - The Principia College Thunder Chickens lost a close match against Sunday Morning Rugby Club this weekend on a rough and hard field at Marquette Park. A large and experienced team, with many players having 10+ years of experience, Sunday Morning is known for their ability to control the ball through rolling mauls and rucks.
This proved true in the first half, as Sunday Morning’s forwards maintained command of the ball due to their large size as well as their ability to win several defensive scrums. However, strong tackling and rucking by Principia led to turnovers, and the teams constantly traded field position. After Sunday Morning scored twice, Principia was able to adjust its game to the constant mauls and held Sunday Morning at bay for the remainder of the half.
Principia’s try was scored near the end of the first half after a nearly 100 meter run by outside center Tom Bisbee and wing Drake Schaberg. Justin Taylor scored the conversion kick and brought the score to 7-14.
In the second 40 minutes several penalties called against Sunday Morning gave Principia strong field position, but Principia was unable to score against Sunday Morning’s strong defense. After winning a lineout near Principia’s Goal Line midway through the half, Sunday Morning was able to punch the ball through for the lone try of the second half.
The Thunder Chickens will face their first college team of the season next Saturday when they face Saint Louis University at Forest Park at 3:00 pm.