Introduction
This past weekend, the Michigan B side joined the A side in South Bend, Indiana to compete in the Reserves division of the Fighting Irish 7s Tournament. This was the B side’s first opportunity to travel and second time playing together, the first being the Michigan Cup. With many players in their first season of rugby and under the guidance of B side coach Conor McNabnay the Michigan Bs finished the tournament as the Runner-Ups in the Reserves Division. The Michigan Bs will build on this strong performance as they join the first side at the upcoming Big 10 7s Tournament, continuing their growth and competitive stride.
Western Michigan 5 Michigan 10
To start the tournament, the B side Wolverines had a rematch against Western Michigan, to whom they’d fallen short earlier in the season. With a strengthened roster and a focus on defensive intensity, the Wolverines set the tone early, shutting down Western Michigan’s attack and capitalizing on key opportunities. A standout performance came from freshman flyhalf Max Ahlborn, who displayed incredible resilience. After sustaining an injury in the first half, Ahlborn fought his way back onto the field in the second, making a significant impact in orchestrating the Wolverines attack. With this win, the Wolverines not only avenged their earlier loss but also showcased their growth and determination to begin the day.
Louisville 19 Michigan 7
The Wolverines fell to Louisville in a frustrating loss largely due to costly errors that kept them from gaining momentum. From the start, unforced mistakes and missed opportunities allowed Louisville to capitalize and control the pace of the game. Junior scrum half Joshua Nicholson provided a spark for Michigan with a well-earned try, showcasing his quick decision-making and ability to find gaps in the defense. Injuries further compounded Michigan’s struggles, forcing key players off the field and disrupting their rhythm. Despite flashes of strong play, the Wolverines couldn’t overcome their own miscues, ultimately falling short in a game that felt within reach. It was a tough lesson for Bs, but one that will serve as motivation as they looked to clean up their play and bounce back stronger in the next challenge.
Notre Dame 15 Michigan 19
In their third game of the tournament, the Wolverines battled back to defeat Notre Dame, despite the Fighting Irish striking first on the scoreboard. Michigan remained composed, tightening up their defense and capitalizing on key opportunities as the game progressed. Freshman hooker Luca DeSanto ended his 3 year scoring drought – since his sophomore year of high school – as he powered through for a crucial try, shifting the momentum in Michigan’s favor. Junior flyhalf Connor Gilfillan played a vital role in sealing the victory, nailing key conversions down the stretch to put the Wolverines ahead. With strong resilience and clutch performances, Michigan secured a hard-fought win, closing out the match on a high note.
Purdue 14 Michigan 14
In their final game of the tournament, the Wolverines staged an incredible comeback against Purdue to secure a second-place finish. After falling behind 14-0 early, Michigan needed a spark – and they got it from freshman prop Matthew Gurwin, who bulldozed through defenders for a monstrous try. With the successful conversion, the Wolverines cut the deficit to just seven. The match turned into a defensive battle, with both teams making crucial stops. As time ran out, Michigan found themselves deep in Purdue’s territory. Joshua Nicholson took advantage, muscling his way over the line for a dramatic last-second try. With a chance to tie the game, freshman scrum half Raymond Li stepped up for the conversion. His kick sailed through the posts, tying the game, though the call sparked some controversy. Regardless, the Wolverines’ resilience and determination earned them a hard-fought result, capping off a strong tournament performance.
What’s Next
With the tournament behind them, the Wolverines now shift their focus to the next challenges ahead. The A-side is gearing up for the CRC, where they’ll test themselves against top competition on a national stage. Meanwhile, the B-side is preparing for the Big 10 7s Tournament, which will mark their final opportunity to take the field this season. As both squads continue to refine their game, the Wolverines are determined to finish the season strong and make their mark in the weeks ahead.
