UT Dallas line up:
1. Kalena, 2. Michelle, 3. Vic, 4. Grace, 5. Rubab, 8. Camille, 9. Elaine, 10. Mel, 11. Kelly, 12. Kayla, 13. Brittany, 14. Cari and reserve 16. Kaitlyn
The first half began even as both clubs spared with each other to see what the other would give and how much they could take. And that was how things went for the first 15 minutes of the 25 minute half, then it was the UTD women who would strike first. Scrumhalf Elaine, seeing a gap in the ETBU defense, she darted through them to score the first Try of the game and league season. The conversion was missed, then Kayla saw that she could turn the corner on her opposite, then she did. Not one time, but 2 times and she scored the second Try under the post to give Cari a real good shot at converting it and she did. Going into half time UTD 17 - ETBU 0.
But there was a tale of 2 halves and the second half belonged to ETBU, they fought hard and played well. Not that UTD played badly, we didn't. We made a series of mental mistakes which ETBU was able to capitalize on. The score going into the final minutes of the game, UTD 17 - ETBU 15. Then Cari got a pass from Mel on the outside and was able to beat her opposite and drag a player into goal to give UTD a comfortable lead 22 to 15. But again a mental error on the ensuing kick off gave ETBU the ball and drive they did. ETBU was able to score the game tying Try and conversion which they did convert on and the match ended like that. UT Dallas 22, ETBU 22
The honorable mentions for the match were Kaitlyn, Grace and Kalena for playing their first rugby match. More honorable mentions Vic, Mel and Elaine, but the Woman of the Match went to Kayla for her complete game.
The UT Dallas men were supposed to play SMU, but that game didn't happen because SMU couldn't secure their field. We offered to host them, but they declined. So we split the squad into 2 sides and played each other.
Next week, the Women again take the field in week 2 of the new league season. Their opponent, UNT and the match will kick off about 5:00pm on the UT Dallas Campus. UNT last year was a big, fierce side and I expect to see the same this coming season. So it will be doubly important that we play our game.
The men again have the week off.