Rugby Falls to VMI in Todd Miller Tourney Final
Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Sports
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An estimated crowd of over 500 watched Virginia Military Institute (VMI) hand Longwood's men's rugby team its first defeat of the spring 21-7 to win the championship of the Todd Miller Invitational Rugby Tournament. The final game was a compelling match with Longwood's speed not able to overcome the size advantage of VMI. To reach the finals, LU easily defeated Hampden-Sydney (H-SC) in a morning match 28-0. Tries by James Rasnake, Chris Davis, T.J. Van Petten and Ben Adams and conversions by Patrick Baden gave the final score. On the other side of the draw, VMI faced a tough Virginia Tech team. Each side scored one try and the difference was a penalty goal by VMI to give them the final edge 8-5.
After the semifinal games, the LU women took the field to play the University of Virginia. LU could only manage one score but played well in the 15-5 defeat. The consolation final was next with Hampden-Sydney playing Virginia Tech. H-SC played most of the game short-handed due to an ejection for foul play and Tech had little trouble in clinching third place 27-5.
The main event was played last in front of a large crowd. It was clear early on that VMI had the size advantage in the scrums. Longwood had the advantage in speed and when the chances came up, the ball went wide to wings Rasnake and Jaye Kennedy. VMI scored two tries to lead 14-0 when Rasnake broke through for a long try. A Baden conversion closed the gap to 14-7. LU was led by senior captain Ben Adams and the team had its share of territorial advantage, but they could not muster another score. A late try by VMI made the final score 21-7. The spring record for the men is now 2-1.
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