Rugby wins hat trick at Red Rock Invitational

219

MESQUITE, NEV- BYU rugby started off the Red Rock invitational Friday with three wins against in-state opponents.

The Cougars went 3-0, winning by a combined score of 197-38. All of BYU’s 52-man roster saw playing time in the wins over Utah Valley, Weber State and Dixie State.

A BYU player runs for a try during a game at South Field against Air Force. Photo by Sarah Hill.
A BYU player runs for a try during a game at South Field against Air Force. Photo by Sarah Hill.

The first of Friday’s games was against cross town rival UVU. The Cougars started slow, leading just 24-16 at the break. But Utah Valley was unable to match any of the Cougar’s six scores in the second half, and BYU came away with the convincing 64-14 win.

The second match of the day was a lopsided one, as the Cougars scored a total of 17 tries over Dixie state. Chris Wernli led the way, recording the first hat trick of the season.

Finally, the Cougars were tested by a viable Weber State team, barely notching a 27-24 victory.

In that match, the score was close late in the game, as the Wildcats maintained a 24-22 lead before freshman center Jacob McKay converted a try that proved to be the difference.

BYU head coach David Smyth said Friday’s series of matches were a good indicator of where the team stands.

“We wanted to give everyone here a run to see where they’re at,” Smyth said, “A lot of guys gave a good accounting of themselves and some others are a little further off than we thought. But that’s why these games are so important for us.”

The Red Rock invitational continues Saturday as the Cougars will look to knock off UNLV.
Follow BYU rugby on social media for real time scores and updates throughout the day.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email