PITTSBURGH, PA. - In what has been an epic battle between two champions, Franciscan once again took its show on the road to visit Robert Morris University on Thursday evening. The Barons spoiled RMU's kickoff to homecoming with 14-12 win.

The two teams have combined to win the last six 3RRC championships with each team winning three times. This match was no different.

True to form both teams came out slugging, flexing their muscles.  Both teams would garner possessions and lose them during the first 10 minutes, with neither team capitalizing on the errors.  Several Barons got in on the action with tough runs by Josh Leatherby, Gabe Iaocovelli, Luke Orsay, and Jake Reinstein.  After a few nice runs by David Prezzia, a well placed kick by Rafe Lewis, the Barons were on RMU's doorstep to punch in the game's first try. A penalty on RMU and a quick tap by PJ Ernst broke the deadlocked score and Ernst's conversion try made it 7-0.

After more stellar defense by Franciscan to stifle RMU's advance, a booming penalty kick for touch by Lewis brought the ball deep into RMU's territory.  A win off the lineout generated a few phases for the Barons and led to Zach Barnes' first try of the year as he dove for 5. Ernst made the kick, upping the lead to 14 as the Barons kept the Colonials off of the scoreboard in the first half.

Jake Goduti manned the fullback position well with timely kicks as rookies Paul Hebert and Michael Bohman asserted themselves with good play. However, Robert Morris would not back down as the Colonials began to pressure and play keep away during the second half. The ruggers of FUS held strong and displayed toughness as they continuously fought off the hard pursuit of the Colonials.

Several opportunities were missed by FUS to put the game on ice but couldn't link up the off loads.  RMU finally dotted down a try in the corner to rouse the hometown fans into a frenzy making the score 14-5.  However, they missed the conversion with a difficult angle to kick from in what turned out to be the difference as they scored once more with under 10 minutes remaining.  The converted kick made it 14-12 where it remained when the clock ticked down 00:00 but not before a frantic and hectic pace of play energized the fans and sidelines.

In what could be seen as a playoff preview, Franciscan has seized home field advantage at the moment come playoff time.

The Barons will next face off against the Pittsburgh Harlequins 2nd side men's club at the annual Rugby Ruckus.