Elsah, IL - In their only home game for the fall season, The Principia College Thunder Chickens defeated Saint Louis University 17-10 in a match dominated by intense rucking.
Principia struck first in the 13th minute when wing Drake Schaberg broke three tackles and took the ball in for a try. Strong defense by both teams limited the scoring opportunities through most of the half. In the 31st minute fullback Brian Davenport made a try saving tackle inside Principia’s 22-meter line. After a four minute try line stand, a penalty by SLU allowed Principia to gain control of the ball and kick it to touch to end the first half up 5-0.
A defensive error in the 4th minute of the second half by Principia allowed SLU tie the score. The teams traded possession of the ball for the next 15 minutes, until outside center Tom Bisbee scored a try after intercepting a pass. SLU responded right away with a try of their own to tie the score once more. After being awarded a scrum in the 28th minute, strong backline play by Principia led to Tom Bisbee scoring again. With Justin Taylor’s conversion kick, the score was finalized at 17-10.
Notable in the game was the scrum’s best effort to date, especially in the first half. In the lineouts, Blair Battenberg did his best jumping of the season, allowing Principia to maintain control of the ball on offensive lineouts.