The day started out just like every other day, except while I was in route to UT Dallas, I get a text that the fields are locked. After a couple of phone calls and texts, the fields were open and the guys quickly put our pitch together and began their warm ups.
Kick off was on time and the weather was cooperating (sunny and a mild 64 degrees, but it did get cooler when the sun went down). Captains met at mid field for the coin toss and boom, the match began.
Line up:
1. Yahve, 2. Jarvis, 3. Joey, 4. Aly, 5. Calvin, 6. Andrew, 7. Steven L. 8. Caleb, 9. Talhah, 10. Lewis, 11. Josue, 12. Edmund, 13. Tristen, 14. Octavio, 15. Eric
Reserves
16. Andrew D., 17. Ethan, 18. Travis, 19. Andrew M., 20. Michael, 21. Jackson, 22. Grafton, 23. Manny
ACU came out of the blocks on fire, they controlled the ball, pace and action for the first 20 minutes of the match, but UTD had a line out awarded to them. We threw and won that line out, passed to Flanker Andrew Palet, who tore through the ACU defense to what was going to be the first score of the match, but NOOOOO. Andrew lost control of the ball on his way to grounding the Try, referees words "knock on in goal". From the ensuing scrum, the other flanker Steven Larsen got the ball and slotted the first Try of the game.
It was a good match to watch, both sides was playing well and to use the words of our trainer Robin, these guys are really knocking heads. She had to look at a number of players from both sides and hand out ice for their wounds and aches.
The first half ended with UTD up 32 to ACU's 0, a couple of substitutions were made and the second half began. ACU while they are into their first full season of competition, they played like a seasoned club that had been in the conference for a number of years. Their coach Nikki had them working together, while my coaches Bear motivated the forwards and Pete and Daniel fine tuned the backs for another exciting half.
The second half was pretty much like the first half with UTD scoring multiple Trys and we managed to keep ACU out of goal. The final score UT Dallas 55, ACU 0
Scoring on the day was Jackson (3 Trys), Steven L. (2 Trys), Lewis, Eric, Aly, Edmund all scoring 1 Try each. Lewis Hopkins did convert 5 of 9 Trys on the day.
Next/this Saturday Feb. 3rd, we will play a friendly match against the Dallas Harlequinns U23, while this is a friendly match, we need to use it like a league match. This is our only tune up match before the playoffs.
When we last played the Quinns U23 they put up sick numbers against us, 63 points to be exact. With former UTD players now playing with the Quinns, it lends itself into a brand new non league rivalry almost like the Alumni game.
The match is scheduled to be played in Dallas, and as soon as I know the location and time of the match, I'll post that info.
Just a heads up, the Lonestar Playoffs/Championship will be held at Angelo State University the weekend of Februrary 24th and 25th in San Angelo, Texas. When we know more info on what hotel and such we will pass that info on as well.