University of Virginia Library

Ruggers Blank Washington 9-0

By Bill Nachman
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Threatening most of the game,
the Virginia Rugby Club topped
Washington, 9-0, Saturday at Nameless
Field. The Turques (B)
whipped Washington B, 8-0, in the
opener.

Before a sparse but spirited
home crowd, the A team
threatened from early in the match,
except for one 15 minute stretch
midway through the first half when
Washington was inside the Virginia
ten but could not score.

Late in the half Virginia almost
sprang for three, but the score
remained 0-0 at halftime.

Virginia looked strong most of
the first half. The lineouts and
scrums were even. Accurate pop
kicking helped prevent a Washington
score.

Early in the second half Dickie
Cross pounced on a loose pop kick
for a try. Tom Furniss failed on the
conversion attempt.

Midway through the period
Virginia missed an opportunity to
up their lead. Faltering deep within
Washington territory, the scrum
play was not strong enough to
coordinate a score.

Virginia picked up momentum
again during the latter part of the
match. With about seven minutes
left in the match Tom Furniss
added insurance points by hitting a
15 yard penalty kick.

As the match came to a close
Sam Robinson added the final
points for Virginia. He tried over
right center after receiving a pass 25
yards out from Courtney Hoopes.
A missed conversion made the final
score 9-0, Virginia.

The final tally was sweet revenge
for the Cavalier ruggers. Washington,
one of the top clubs in the
east, was the only club to down the
A squad during the fall season.

The victory was a complete
team effort. Henry Dudley played
an extremely fine game at fly. Don
Oliver, a first-year man, shone in
the scrum.

One important thing about the
match was the way the backs
finally were able to work the ball
into the middle. This was crucial as
the team has had trouble doing this
previously.

Thinking victory, the Turques
(B) surprised an experienced
Washington B side, 8-0, in the
preliminary match. The Washington
game was the only blemish on the
fall ledger, as the Turques had to
settle for a tie.

Virginia threatened repeatedly,
while Washington's attack faltered.
The first Turque score came from
the scrum midway through the first
half as Clay Rotterie made a try
and Paul Bishop converted.

Leading 5-0 at halftime, the
Turques wanted to add a few
insurance points. Late in the second
half Downing Smith covered a loose
ball from a one yard lineout. The
play was set up when Dickie Paine
and Pete Schmidt followed Marty
Millichap's pop kick.

The final 8-0 score was below
the usual Turque performance, but
Washington is an experienced club.
Captain Will O'Keefe praised the
squad for a "group win."

Next for the ruggers is a two
week tour of the British Isles.
Leaving Friday, the teams face their
first opposition in Scotland.