POUNDIN IN THE MOUNTAINS
COLLEGIATE MEN'S RUGBY TOURNAMENT

RESULTS

 

The 3rd Annual Poundin' in the Mountains featured returning teams, New Mexico Highlands University and Adams State College, and a newcomer, Fort Lewis College.  Western State entered two teams, a team wearing the WSC White jerseys, and another wearing the Black and Red jerseys.  Saturday's pool matches began at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m.  Sunday's lone match was the Championship match.

 

 

 

 

Saturday's first match was Adams State against Western State White.  Adams came out strong, but Western's experience and home-field advantage saw them to a 58-5 win.  The next match, Western versus Fort Lewis, saw a close score, but WSC edged the Skyhawks 24-0.  Western White took on New Mexico Highlands in a tough contest but Western's strength in the kicking game helped manage a 22-12 win over the Vatos. 

 

 

In the consolation matches, Adams took on Fort Lewis and the men from Durango put the Grizzlies away 19-0.  New Mexico Highlands played Fort Lewis in the next round and Highlands' speed and athleticism helped them to a 25-10 victory.  In the last matches of the day, WSC White played Black in a match to see who would compete in the Championship round against New Mexico Highlands and Adams played Fort Lewis in a 10's match.  Fort Lewis and Adams ended with a tie 10-10. 

 

Sunday's Final saw a New Mexico Highlands team determined to bring a physical test to the Western State side.  Highlands, a Division III Men's Club, finished fourth in the Division last season, showed size and strength right off the kick-off, but Western managed to retain possession and keep the ball inside the Vatos half for most of the first half.  The Vatos' continuity on offense meant that offloading in the tackle kept the Mountaineers on the back foot.  Just before half, the Vatos pushed one over the try line.  A later penalty given up by WSC meant the Vatos lead at half, 8-0.  Western began the second half with a few signs of danger for the Vatos, but a well-disciplined defensive line held the WSC team away from the goal line.  The Vatos continued their display of strength and size and fought for another try and the score at 13-0 with 15 minutes left.  Before the final whistle, WSC center Nate Acrey broke through the Vato centers and sped his way past their Fullback to score the first try for the Mountaineers.  Converted by Alex Else making the score 13-7 in favor of the Vatos.  New Mexico Highlands kept the ball in hand for the rest of the match and the Mountaineers could not capitalize.  The Vatos took home the hardware and Western received their first taste of defeat for the year.