On an unseasonably, hot and humid September day, the Barons rugby team took to the pitch for their first home game of the XV's season. They welcomed Xavier University, a team that has become a familiar foe with Franciscan over the years, as they have met at least once every fall since 2019 (not including the covid year). They've met at regionals twice (2019 and 2021); three play-in qualifiers (2022, 2023, 2024) to determine who goes to regionals, and this year, a rare regular season league match. Xavier beat Franciscan last year in double OT to grab the ARU #2 spot and move on to the round of 32. The Barons were looking to exact some revenge and get their first win at home this season. It was exactly what the Barons did.
After both teams held possession of the ball during the opening minutes of the match, Franciscan was able to break the tie with Liam Treece collecting a pass from Luke "Lex" Lang, seven minutes into the match. Chris Ascough converted the kick to give the Barons a 7-0 lead. It stayed that way for the next 20 minutes as Franciscan continued to attack with the ball and play exceptional defense. A few opportunities were lost on errant plays and calls but Ascough was able to nail a penalty kick to give the Barons a 10-0 lead. Then right before the half, Tanner Harris made a great individual effort on an errant pass and raced 35 meters, sidestepping two defenders to dot it down at the final minute, and with Ascough's kick conversion, the score was 17-0.
The second half saw the Barons offense come alive as they exploded for 40 points while giving up zero. The backline accounted for most of the tries, as outside center Abraham Schmeissing, scrum half Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob), inside center Gus Wright, and fullback Nate Bateman all tacked on a score, with Ascough and Peter Rooney added a try each of their own. Lang and Joe Bob did a masterful job distributing the ball and controlling the pace of play. The forwards were able to attack the gainline and keep control of the ball for most of the match. Ascough went a perfect 4/4 on kick conversions, and made one out of two penalty kicks. Bateman took over kicking duties and went 3/4 on kick conversions. The Barons won the match 57-0 and was on the attack for most the match.
Xavier played very well in the first half, keeping the score close but injuries started to take a toll on them, and they had to go their bench. William Schaifer (Sawyer) was named Player of the Match with his relentless tackling and running with the ball. Dominic Grecol continues to be a force with the ball and his tenacious tackling. The victory gives the Barons an overall 2-1 record, and a league record of 1-0 as they head to Homecoming weekend this weekend. The Barons will welcome West Virginia University to campus for their 25th Anniversary of Franciscan Rugby. It promises to be a great atmosphere with many rugby alumni returning to their old stomping grounds. The Barons thank Xavier for making the long trip and wishes them well in the remainder of their season. They also thank the big crowd for attending and cheering them on. The Barons hope to see a huge crowd next week to support them on!
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.
