The 2025 XV's season for the Franciscan Barons rugby program kicked off this past Saturday, August 30th. On a warm and sunny day, the Barons traveled to long time rival Robert Morris University for a noon kickoff in a friendly preseason match. RMU has seen its numbers dwindle over the last few years and has elected to be in the ARU (Allegheny Rugby Union) D4 division to try to build their program back up. The Barons took a roster of 28 players, many of whom are freshmen or first year players (14), with the remaining numbers upperclassmen.

It was a great way to get the youngsters playing time and experience. The Barons started quickly and converted a penalty kick by newcomer Nathaniel Bateman. RMU was able to capitalize on several Barons miscues as Franciscan became a little bit careless with the ball as well as infractions. RMU dotted the ball down for the first try of the match and with the converted kick after, went up 7-3. That would be all the scoring they did. Both teams had issues with controlling possession and getting called for infractions, which is to be expected with both teams shaking off rust after 9 months. Freshman Luke Lang (Lex), playing the 15-position corralled a kick inside the 22 and managed to race around and dance through the backline of RMU, scoring a dazzling individual play that went 80 yards. Bateman connected the kick after and gave the Barons a 10-7 lead that they would not relinquish. The play provided a spark for Franciscan, as they tacked on seven more tries in the match. Peter Rooney took an offload off the lineout and broke through RMU's gainline and touched down for a try and with the kick after made by Christopher Ascough, upped the score 17-7. That ended the somewhat sloppy first half for the Barons. RMU played well, controlling possession for minutes at a time and running phases but they couldn't maintain their composure with the Barons defense relentless pressure.

After the halftime discussion to get back to the basics and run phases, the Barons were able to advance the ball more efficiently. Rooney once again scored on a pick and go and Ascough added the two point converted kick to extend the lead to 24-7. Freshman Liam Treece was able to squeak by for a try when captain Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob) offloaded to him on a tap and go (penalty call). Ascough missed slightly wide on the kick after and the score was 29-7. The Barons continued to score in bunches with Ascough, Abraham Schmeissing, Augustine Wright, and Bateman, all dotting down the ball for tries. Schmeissing made a great read on defense and picked off the pass and scored the length of the field. Ascough converted the kick after on the four tries to end the match at 57-7.

The score made not show it, but RMU played well in the first twenty minutes before fitness and inexperience kicked in. The Barons were able to roll in their new players who never played before and got some valuable playing time. Several first year players did well in their debut with Franciscan. Dominic Grecol was instrumental as a flanker with his tackling and work ethic. Lang, Wright, and L. Treece manned the backline and had several nifty passes and also played solid defense. AJ Murray and Samuel King, played a few positions and acquitted themselves well with timely tackling. Captain Joe Bob did a masterful job in directing the team on the attack and on defense and Jacob Leerkes was a handful to tackle, several times carrying defenders as he attacked the defense. Fintan Ahearn, himself a first year player last year, had a few great runs from the wing position to advance the ball. Lang was named player of the match with his decisive ball handling and timely kicks. Rooney was named DAWG of the match with his hard running, physical tackling and scoring touch. Ascough
led the team with 17 points. Franciscan thanks Robert Morris for the always physical matchup and hosting them!
Franciscan will travel to Front Royal, VA for their yearly tilt with Christendom to defend the Frasatti Shield, won by Franciscan last fall, breaking a nine year streak. They will look to continue their winning ways and bring back the Shield for the second year in a row. The match is slated for a 2PM kickoff. The match is a cross-conference match and will have no bearing on their conference record.

Tries: Rooney (2); Lang (1); L. Treece (1); Ascough (1); Schmeissing (1), Wright (1); Bateman (1)
Kicks converted: Ascough (6/7); Bateman (1/1)
Penalty kicks converted: Bateman (1/2)

Stay Connected 
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.