Rugby: Gonzaga kicks off season with a bang

Gonzaga rugby team capped a busy week with a 17-0 victory over St Gregory’s at the West Shore Invitational in Harrisburg, PA.

The weekend started with the opening MAVRC league game vs Hyde Public Leadership Charter School. The A side rolled to a 62-5 victory with Johnny McMurray leading the way with 16 points including 2 tries. David Penberthy also added 2 tries with Jeff Bruno, Max Johnston, PJ Orlandi, Gabe Free, Victor Calix and John Davis each scoring once. Pat Carter added 3 conversions. The B-side was led by newcomer Nick Howell who scored 4 try’s in a 50-0 win.

Saturday’s first tournament game matched the Eagles vs the defending MARFU club champions and 7th ranked club side in the US West Shore United. The Eagles dominated most of the first half with Johnny McMurray making 2 penalty kicks (one from 43 yards) and Kevin Lee with a try which JMAC converted for 13-0 halftime lead. The second half was a different story as the home team raised their level and went on the offensive. The Eagle defense was sturdy and yielded only a late try for a final score of 13-5.

The ****** B’s then took the field and cruised to a 36-5 victory over the West Shore B side. Leading the way was Paul Caron with 3 trys. Also scoring was Brian Savercool, McKay Pratt, Brendan Boyle and Tommy “the toe” Jolly adding 2 conversions. Next was St Gregory’s from Scranton, PA. Led by bagpipes and the constant singing of their student body St Greg’s came into the game as the favorite to win the PA / DE / NJ school championship.

The Eagle’s took the field with fire in their eyes as well. In an extremely well played game Gonzaga dominated possession and was the more physical of the 2 teams. David Penberthy scored twice and Dylan Jones once with Johnny McMurray adding a conversion to close out the scoring. This week the Eagle’s face Georgetown Prep on Wednesday and the No. 2-ranked team in the country Xavier HS from NY on Sunday.