Glendale lights up scoreboard

Details

Published on Monday, April 2, 2012

Written by Phillipa Snyman

Fa’amusili

On a night when Colorado was experiencing unusually warm weather conditions, the 1,000-strong crowd at Infinity Park watched as Glendale RFC Men’s DI team lit up the scoreboard by defeating the Albuquerque Aardvarks 85-12 on Saturday.

Glendale fly half James Paterson treated the enthusiastic crowd to an exceptional display of rugby by showcasing his USA Eagle rugby talent and singlehandedly adding 35 (five tries and 10 try conversions) points to the overall score tally. Paterson was given carte blanche on the field as he either carried the ball at pace over the try line, dummied his way past the defenders or took advantage of opportunities which left the opposition flat footed.

The first half belonged to the forwards who delighted rugby fans with four powerful tries. Hooker Stan Moaalii who has unusually speedy wheels for a forward, scored his first try of the match with a great run in the 13th minute. Moaalii’s second try in the 20th minute was a perfectly executed play assisted by lock Matt Doubek. Flanker Mike Kenyon crossed the line in the 19th minute with the help of the entire pack as they ensured Kenyon, and ball, were delivered over the try line with a powerful forward drive.

Prop Chad Slaby delivered the most entertaining try of the night with his dash for the posts down the middle of the field. Slaby received the ball from winger Sam Botkins who had run the ball up the touchline 60 meters and passed to Slaby who found himself in the support player position on the inside. With open space in front of him, Slaby pinned back his ears and headed the ten meters for the try line.

Man of the Match Furlong

Glendale scrum half and Man of the Match Daryl Furlong, who consistently produces solid performances, crossed the try line shortly before halftime, allowing Glendale to retire to the change rooms 54-12 — a comfortable position to be in.

In the second half, the backs stepped it up a notch with inside center Justin Pauga crossing the try line shortly after kickoff, to begin the second half try-fest. Three of Paterson’s five tries were scored in the second half and substitute back, Bryan Evans, added his five points to the scoreboard by using his agility and speed to his advantage and outpacing the Aardvarks.

It was a night to remember for Glendale rugby fans as they witnessed the “on-fire” boot of Paterson as he converted 10 of the 13 tries, from all angles on the pitch. Albuquerque was only able to answer Glendale’s challenge with two tries and one try conversion in the first half.

Glendale Director of Rugby Mark Bullock was pleased with the overall play of the team and especially the play of substitute back Bryan Evans when he came on at halftime.

“Despite one error, Evans did all the little things a wing must do to play rugby at this level and he will be sticking up his hand in the future to compete for a starting position on this team,” said Bullock.

“DeWon Reed, substitute back, continues to round in to rugby shape after taking the fall off to care for his daughter. DeWon is pushing to be the starting right wing.”

The challenge will be raised this Saturday when the GRFC DI team will take on a very strong Utah Brothers team in the stadium at Infinity Park. “They will be big, strong and fast,” commented Bullock, “and the challenge has been laid down.” Kickoff is at 6 p.m. — a game not to be missed.

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Halftime score: Glendale 54, Albuquerque 12
Full time score: Glendale 85, Albuquerque 12

Glendale tries: Fa’amusili, Paterson (5), Moaalii (2), Kenyon, Slaby, Furlong, Pauga, Evans
Try conversions: Paterson 10

Albuquerque: tries 2, try conversions 1