Raptors scrimmage, top Utes in 2013 debut

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Published on Saturday, February 16, 2013

Written by Eiden Herring

The Glendale Raptors Men’s squad defeated the University of Utah on Saturday in Grand Junction, Colo., 43-26. The Utes struck first a little over three minutes into the first half. Glendale answered back with a pair of tries, and the score at the half was 12-7, Raptors.

“While we looked a little rusty coming off of the bench from the offseason, I think there were a lot of positives to focus on,” said Head Coach Andre Snyman. “Our new players looked really good and it was great to see guys like Mike Kenyon and Casey Rock, back in action.”

Kenyon is returning from two surgeries on his ankle, and Rock is fresh off a year-long tour in Australia where he played for Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane, Queensland.

The cobwebs seemed to be clearing out as the men took the pitch in the second half. Chad Slaby started the Raptors off with a try from the prop position. In all, seven Glendale players scored – Slaby, Kenyon, Shaun Davies, Max Statler (twice), Bradley Winbush and rookies Willis and Aldridge.

Kenyon tried in the corner off of a breakaway up the middle of the pitch, with plenty of support by his teammates. Winbush showcased his footwork and dummy abilities when trying off a ruck, faking (or dummying) a pass and juking an opponent to hit the try zone.

The Raptors Men will host a second preseason scrimmage at Infinity Park on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. in the park against the University of Colorado. Regular season play begins on Saturday, March 2 in the stadium against local rivals Boulder RFC. Kickoff for the season opener will also be at 6 p.m.

Click here for more information on tickets and the schedule for the men, women and U-19 teams.