Steubenville, Ohio - Franciscan returned home after a two week road trip to take on old foe Robert Morris during Homecoming weekend. And what a homecoming match was it. With a large crowd present to take in some rugby on a cloudy day, Franciscan led the match from start to finish against an undermanned RMU side. RMU has had to endure some tough overturning of their roster this fall and their shortcomings were on display this weekend.

The Colonials received the kick to start the match and did well enough to piece together several phases in advancing the ball. However, after a turnover, the Barons got to work quickly, with Joseph Moleski (JoeBob) working the ball out to John Paul Treece who offloaded to Paul Leerkes, who then side step a defender for a gain of 15 meter before being brought down 5 meters from scoring. JoeBob followed up and passed a dart to Christopher Ascough and dove in for the opening points. Ascough missed the tough conversion, leaving the Barons with a 5-0 lead. Once again, Ascough scored his second try of the match after Liam Phelan almost took a pass 50 meters for a score of his own but was stopped short of the tryline, and Ascough did a pick and go to touch it down. Ascough connected on the kick after to up the lead to 12-0. On the ensuing kickoff, the Barons again broke open a long run by Ascough as he was brought down short of the tryline. Phelan was there for the support and pulled a pick and go and dove in the try zone for his first try of the season, and a 19-0 lead with the made conversion from Ascough. Phelan came back after an injury kept him out for a month to start his first match of the season. Once again, the Barons were on the attack on the restart kick. Joe Bob corralled the kick and kicked it back only to have RMU leave it on the ground as JoeBob chased it down and kicked it soccer style further down the pitch into the try zone where he dove on the ball and touched it down for another Baron try. Ascough missed the kick after and the score was now 24-0, fifteen minutes into the match. Phelan tacked on his second try of the match taking the ball in from 25 meters out and slipping a few tackles, upping the tally to 29-0 with the kick after missing. The Barons made an untimely error near their zone and RMU was able to capitalize on it and scored their first try of the match and with the kick after good, closed the scoring to 29-7. Captain Sebastian Bise took a turn with the scoring as he dotted down the ball after receiving an offload from Ascough and Ascough converted the kick after to bump up the score to 36-7. Joe Bob again scored off a pick and go and with the missed conversion the score was 41-7. The Barons continued to score with Ascough completing the hat trick with his third try of the match, and Jacob Leerkes joining in on scoring spree with a try of his own. The half ended with the Barons up 53-7.

After a few player changes at the half for the Barons squad, Ascough and JoeBob executed an inside pass that caught the Colonials off guard as Ascough scored his 4th try of the match. Ascough made the kick after to give the Barons a 60-7 lead. RMU was able to add to their tally after a nifty and powerful run by the #8 to break about four tackles and score the try for the Colonials. The missed conversion gave Robert Morris 12 to the Barons 60. Paul Leerkes took an offload and ran in a long try to up the score to 67 for the Barons. Paul Thibault scored a try and Bise recorded his second try of the day. Freshman Colin Egger scored his first try of the season on a nice offload from newcomer Michael Madigan. Finally, Peter Rooney scored a try after Paul Leerkes offloaded to him in the try zone to let Rooney score. The end of the match ended with the Barons winning 89-12.

Many players got into the game to get some playing time. Jonathan Salamida had several hard runs. Joe Castellan made a few tackles and supported in the rucks. Sawyer Shaifer was his usual self, disrupting RMU's timing on passes. Brendan Lacey had a few nice runs to advance the ball. JP Treece assisted with distributing the ball to the forwards. Ben Baska started his first match out at the wing and had a few dazzling runs. Despite the lopsided score, Robert Morris played hard and never gave up. Franciscan thanks RMU for visiting and wishes them well for the rest of their season. The Golden Man of the Match went to Milo Klopp for his relentless tackling, hard running and doing the hard work that helps a team to victories. Matthew Patryn was named Dawg of the match with his tenacious running and willingness to get his hands dirty.

Next up
The Barons played well as a team although they did get away from playing the structure at times, and had a little bit of hero ball from some of the players. In a match like this, these things can happen. But they will need to tighten up their defense and get ready for their rivalry with nationally ranked #6 Slippery Rock. The Barons will travel to Slippery Rock for a chance to go to 2-0 in conference play and secure a home bid for the first round of the ARU playoffs. Slippery Rock was able to defeat #12 John Carroll 26-19 yesterday, to go to 1-0 in the conference as well. Franciscan Rugby was thrilled with the huge turnout for the Homecoming match and thanks everyone for attending, from alumni to family, to friends, it was an exciting atmosphere!!r

Men's Rugby ID Camp
Franciscan Men's Rugby is excited to offer a Prospect Camp for aspiring college athletes on Sunday, November 17th. The camp is open to athletes entering 9th-12th grade this Fall. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training from the men's rugby coaching staff, as well as interact with current players. Campers will participate in a typical Franciscan training session and gain an understanding of the competitive and challenging environment of collegiate athletics. For more information click here

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