The PSU Gorillaheads fell short 7 to 12, Saturday March 23 to the Kansas City Rugby Football Club (KCRFS). Despite harsh conditions both Pitt State and KCRFC played until the bad weather forced them to end the friendly match early as there was weather complications and concern for teams and audience safety. Fog and rain contributed to a general consensus the game should be ended for everyone’s safety.
“Despite the bad weather, we played good.,” said Gorillaheads’ Coach Grant. “We had to end the game early due to the bad weather.”
PSU pulled tackles against KSRFC during the shortened home game but were able to keep from any injuries.
“We injured two KCRFC’s players,” Grant said. “…but none of our (players) were injured.”
Grant plans to better certain aspects of his team to win more.
“At the moment we are playing very good, team-oriented rugby,” Grant said. “We can most definitely improve. At practice we will focus on running better support lines and improving conditioning.”
The men’s team captain also saw room for improvement and refinement.
“Our scums were really strong which is great to see especially against the men’s club and our backline ball movement was fantastic.” Said Ty Goss, team captain. “We need to work on rucking and how many to commit to a ruck. We are sloppy in the break down which gave up possession.”
“The team played really well,” Goss said, “…just a little over excited at times which cause us to lose position.”
Grant said that throughout the game, several players stood out to him.
“Jarrod Tayrien, a tight head prop, Evan Garrett, a flanker, and Jack Thompson, a flyhalf, had a stand out game,” Grant said.
Other players also stood out to Goss.
“Brad Payne had a great first game for us with his tackling being phenomenal,” Goss said.
The Pittsburg State University Rugby Club is still open to any PSU students who would like to join or would like to just come to practices.
“Everyone is welcome to come play, no experience needed,” Grant said. “We have a men’s and women’s team so that all are included. Practice is 5 [to] 7 p.m. at the Rugby Pitch on Tuesday and Thursday.”
The rugby team is excited and preparing hard for their next game.
“We play UCM next…and fully intend on kicking their butt” Grant said.
The Pitt State Gorillaheads play next Saturday, March 30. against the University of Central Missouri. It will take place home at Pitt’s Rugby Pitch next to the PSU Recreation Center. The match open to the public.