On Tuesday, February 28th, the University of Michigan Rugby Club prepared for their first contest of their Tour de France against Corbeil Essonnes – Mennacy. At 5:00 p.m., the team kitted up and headed to the train station for an hour ride to Corbeil’s pitch. Once the UMRFC stepped off the train, all one could hear were cleats scrapping against cobblestone and dirt roads. The intensity grew upon arriving to the pitch as the flood lights revealed the soon to be battlefield.
Despite the long travel and hours of sight seeing, warm ups looked perhaps as brilliant as ever. Night lights on the new jerseys, balls streaming down the backs’ line, and forwards crashing with pace – it was a marvelous sight. After a quick exchange of words with our familiar exchange student, Ben Cans, the teams lined up the kickoff.
The match would be comprised of four quarters, each 20 minutes long. Immediately, both teams threatened to score with breaks down the field. Mistakes on both parts prevented any tries for a while, however, Corbeil would capitalize first. After a series of penalties by the UMRFC, Corbeil sent a large in-center crashing through the line to pound in the first try of the game. A missed conversion from the center of the field, however, left the score at 5-0. The most promising attack by the UMRFC in the first quarter came off a boot down the field that was recovered by Kenny Andutan, but a pass knocked on by a supporting forward abruptly ended the play.
Michigan Rugby found their stride in the second quarter. Several series, each obtaining chunks of yards, brought the team to the 5 meter line. A Corbeil penalty and dish to Danny DeGregorio led to a UMRFC score. Grady Bridges nailed the conversion making it 7-5. Soon after, Corbeil struck back with another crash for try and unconverted kick. A relentless Matthew Crabtree would not let his team be out done as he streaked down the sidelines for a 60 meter try. Crabtree’s try and a beautiful conversion from the sidelines by Grady Bridges provided some inspiration for the rest of the team. Forwards slamming into the rucks and perfect passing by the backs set up another Michigan try by Chris Padmos. Yet another conversion by Grady resulted in a 21-10 lead at half.
Corbeil got off to a fast start in the second half, again capitalizing on unfortunate mistakes. The experience of the older French players of Corbeil was evident in the rucks as they poached several balls. Corbeil would convert on both their tries of the third quarter giving them back the lead. In the fourth quarter, Corbeil put up their 3rd try in a row when an outnumbered Steve Offringa was left to cover three Frenchmen on the sidelines. A conversion put the score at 31-21. The UMRFC was uplifted again by Chris Padmos who busted through the French defense with incredible pace to make the score 31-28. Corbeil would put up another try before the final whistle to make a final score of 38-28.
It was without a doubt, an unforgettable match for both players and coaches. The end of the match was followed by cheers on the pitch and, of course, songs in the locker rooms from both sides. After showers, the two teams met up for a quick post game meal in the club house graciously provided by Corbeil. The two teams will meet again Satuday for a trip to a Top 14 Rugby match. The UMRFC would like to thank parents, fans, alumni, Corbeil, and all other supporters of the club who made this such a memorable experience for everyone.
1. Evan Rourke
2. Danny DiGregorio
3. Chris Vasileff
4. Sebastian Harrison
5. Drew Vecchio
6. Mike Wilinski
7. Kenny Andutan
8. Mike LaCivita
9. Ian Etheart
10. Evan Noon
11. Karl Boothman
12. Grady Bridges
13. Chris Padmos
14. Matt Crabtree
15. Joel Conzelmann
Subs
Pete Melgran
Paxton Plum
Scott Miller
Ty Waters
Matt Pilon
Sergio Rocha
Nick Marcus
Cam Watson
Jared Bosma
Andrew Bituin
Brandon Gardner
CJ Stock
Steve Offringa
Tries: DiGregorio 24′, Crabtree 30′, Padmos 36′, 64′
Cons: Bridges 25′, 31′, 37′, 65′
