Maryland Exiles defeat Frederick Falcons

Exiles move to 4-0 in Rugby Maryland League Play

The game opened with a lot of back and forth, as the team struggled to come to grips with possession and a Frederick Falcons team that came to play. Nick Costa scored twice as the Exiles were able to create and convert two on one's into tries. After Frederick reacted by setting their defense wide, Quinn Freeman was able to straighten two of his lines and convert them into tries as well. Halftime: 24 -- 0

In the second half, the team started off like the game had started with a Nick Costa try. However, Frederick would not go away and used pick and goes to establish off sides lines and take the ball over the gain line. They were rewarded with a try. It was at this time that the Exiles responded with some outstanding rugby. Morgan White showed the ball to Nick Costa, running on an inside line, and the defense opened up for the Whitman sophomore, as he was able to touch down under the posts. Minutes later is was Haavard Hansen pressing a gap in the Frederick defense to score, and he was followed shortly by Tristan McAlister bowling over for a try. Frederick continued to challenge us, and we gave them the advantage over and over by not being on-sides. Jacob Stern finished a sharp movement to score a try, but Frederick had the last say with more try.

It is a tribute to the players in the program, that we played well despite having so many new players on the field. It is a tribute to the players in the program that we fielded a full JV squad against Gonzaga following the game against Frederick. It is a tribute to the whole team for the discipline and character of Quinn Freeman who did not retaliate following a frustrated Frederick left hook to Quinn's right eye. We are proud of all of you.

In the JV game -- Our fiesty JV squad scored four quality tries by Big Country Hanrahan, Mitchell Swistak and Bambi Reyes. Now if we can improve our defense, we will really have a team that is tough to beat. It's all about line speed and getting low to make your tackles. Final Score: Gonzaga 41 -- Maryland Exiles 22