University of Virginia Library

In The Mud

Ruggers Take First Decision

By Jay Waldron

In their initial confrontation of
the season, Virginia's ruggers oozed
to a 16-5 victory over the
Richmond Rugby Club Saturday
afternoon. The match was played in
six inches of mud at Carr's Hill
Field.

The Virginia scrum dominated
the mud-caked action for the
majority of the first half. The first
thirty minutes was marked in
particular with the bruising runs
and tackles of Courtney Hoopes.
Virginia jumped off to a quick 11-0
lead, as scrummer Terry Daniels
and Hoopes each scored a try and
Larry Schwartz added one
conversion.

However, the highlight of the
half occurred when assistant
professor Alistair Duckworth
picked up the soggy pigskin and
uncorked a 35 yard dropkick
through the uprights. The risks of
playing this ancient game became
all too apparent to two Virginia
ruggers in the opening minutes of
the second half. John Pearson and
Butch Dietler collided while
attempting to tackle a Richmond
player. Both were taken to the
hospital for stitches. Since there is
no substitution in rugby, Virginia
was forced to play with only 13
men for the remainder of the game.

Despite this handicap, Virginia
limited Richmond to one try and a
placement, while managing to score
once more themselves.
Muddy-bearded scrummer, Jay
Waldron, dove in for the last try,
after winger Dick Cross blocked an
attempted Richmond punt. Cross
was outstanding defensively the
entire afternoon as was winger
Alan McAllister.

Big newcomer, 6′ 8″, 250 lb.
Dave Melesco and veteran George
Mac Calleun played well in the
scrum, while Duckworth's kicking
continually saved Virginia when
they found themselves pressed hard
in the second half.

The Virginia B team defeated
the Richmond B team 11-8.
Scrummer Will O'Keefe and winger
Paul Bishop both turned in
superlative performances.
Unfortunately, the C squad was
humbled by the Lynchburg A team
14-3. David Ross was a shining light
in the losing effort.