STEUBENVILLE — The number-one seeded Franciscan University rugby squad took to the pitch Saturday as they welcomed the Clarion University Golden Eagles for the Allegheny Rugby Union semi-finals. The Baron offense scored their first try within the first six minutes, and it was all downhill for Clarion after that as the Barons defeated them 59-0.

Mike Storelli was the first Baron to strike on the afternoon, making a long try run after a throw-in.

Franciscan added five more tries in the next 20 minutes of play, one of which with 50 seconds remaining in the first half. Adding to Storelli's try were teammates Paul Lewis, who scored twice in the first and once in the second half, Edmund Mitchell, Frank Knoll, John Manni, and Matt Strickland. Strickland tacked on a two-point conversion and Mitchell added two, two-pointers of his own. The Barons held a 49-0 lead at the half.

Baron head coach Mark Hanrahan said he felt like his team didn't miss a beat. "That was textbook rugby," he said.

Also getting in on the scoring action for the Barons was Jonathon Cardinal late in the second half.

"That was probably the best game we've played all season," Hanrahan said. "Our execution was almost perfect. Everybody played so well and spread the ball around, it's hard to single out anybody who stood out."

The win advances the Barons to the championship game of the ARU tournament, which will be played next Saturday at Franciscan's Memorial Field. The Barons will face the winner of the Grove City College-Duquesne University match-up played earlier today.