It's becoming habitual now - losing games that they could, and should have won. The effort and hard work are there, but this young Virginia Tech team lacks the killer instinct which is needed at this level. A strong wind in their face in the second half meant it was going to be tough. And so it turned out - an inability to clear their lines was their undoing.

After conceding an early try, Virginia Tech took control of the game through their forwards. They set up Captain Matt Heitzer who bundled over from short range. Mic Minichiello then came off a maul and shortly afterwards he broke off the back of a scrum for his second. Collin McClain finished off a good move to go in under the posts which Heitzer converted.

The Hokies already having secured a bonus point were in the driving seat, but just before halftime they allowed the Clemson No9 to break free. The try was awarded despite the Clemson player appearing to drop the ball. This was the crucial score because Clemson now had the wind at their backs after the break. Half time score was 22-12.

Clemson scored twice to tie the score at 22 all. Virginia Tech could not keep the ball for the long periods of time they needed to. Each time Clemson got the ball, they kicked it deep. With ten minutes to go, Clemson kicked a penalty to take the lead before crashing over for a try.

With just a few minutes left Virginia Tech got back within three points with a Bill Whalen try and Matt Heitzer conversion, but Clemson had the last word with a another penalty. Final score was 35-29.

Scorers:
Tries: Minichiello (2), Heitzer, McClain, Whalen
Conversions: Heitzer (2)

The Junior Varsity team dropped a 17-14 decision to Clemson. 

Scorers:
Tries: Christian, Funk
Penalties: Huggins (1)

The Hokies scored 13 tries in a 71-7 victory against Georgia Tech at Kennesaw State University. 

Sophomore wing Andrew Haskell scored three first half tries, with Senior Captain Matt Heitzer getting a brace. The Hokies played some good rugby and only lost the ball twice in the first half. There were also tries for Matt Murray, Carl Katz, Mic Minichiello and Bill Whalen. The halftime score 51-7.

Six changes made at halftime, and two more shortly afterwards disrupted the try scoring for the first fifteen minutes. But normal service was soon resumed with tries for John Vicinski, a third for Matt Heitzer, a forth for Andrew Haskell and a first Varsity team try for freshman Adam D'Amico.

The first half performance was excellent from Virginia Tech. Their brand of flowing rugby and pace out wide, built upon a dominant pack will be needed for the next two weeks. Clemson visit next weekend, followed by the Commonwealth Shield game against Virginia, which will also be played in Blacksburg.

The game today was played at Kennesaw State Universities purpose built rugby facility - Georgia Tech's facilities were closed during their spring break. The facilities at KSU are a timely reminder of what can be achieved by a rugby program. Envious Hokies enjoyed their time at KSU's new field.

Scorers:
Tries: Haskell (4), Heitzer (3), Murray, Katz, Minichiello, Whalen, Vicinski, D'Amico
Conversions: Hurley (2), Heitzer (1)

A good sized crowd in Blacksburg saw a thriller of a game. 9 lead changes and 6 tries each - but it was the reigning ACRL champions who came away with the win. Losing their captain Matt Heitzer to illness and fullback Paul Caron on Thursday night with a hamstring injury, were huge blows. So the Hokie back line consisted of 4 Sophomores and 3 Freshmen. But despite this, a fantastic team effort and a dominant forward performance saw them come very close to pulling off a huge upset.

Maryland came out of the blocks fastest and took an early lead from a quick tap penalty. They went further ahead with a penalty before Virginia Tech got into the game with a penalty of their own. Junior Hooker Kevin Hurley took over the kicking duties from the injured Paul Caron. Although Maryland were always dangerous in their backline, Virginia Tech's forwards were in the ascendency up front. Bill Whalen got the first of two tries off a set piece play and then put the Hokies in front with his second shortly afterwards - Hurley converted from wide out. Maryland then scored again twice to retake the lead. But just before halftime, the Hokies elected to take a scrum at a penalty on the Maryland 5 yard line. Mic Minichiello crashed over to make it 25-20 at halftime.

The interval saw the introduction of Captain Matt Heitzer. Despite not being anywhere near 100% well, his presence on the field lifted the team. The Hokies then went ahead again when Andrew Haskell weaved his way through traffic, breaking multiple tackles to go in under the posts - Hurley converted the extra points. But once again the dangerous backs of Maryland got them back in front.  Matt Murray then did extremely well, coming on to a ball at pace and scored for the lead again.

Matt Heitzer burst through the Maryland defense off a scrum for a 37-33 lead, but Maryland were able to score two more tries. With the score 45-37 and just 3 minutes to go, the Hokies got a penalty in front of the posts. The decision was made to kick the points and take the Hokies to back within the losing bonus point margin. Despite getting back down into Maryland territory and having one last chance, Maryland were able to get the ball and boot it off for the win. The final score was 45-40.

Despite the loss, Virginia Tech were able to get two bonus points for scoring 4 tries, and also being within 7 points. This still makes it possible for Virginia Tech to win the ACRL. But to do so, they must win their remaining four games and hope that Maryland slip up along the way.

This was a massive performance from Virginia Tech despite the loss. Their forwards dominated Maryland in the scrum and were always a threat at the line out. But despite a better overall team performance, it was a couple of individual players for Maryland who made the difference.

Next week, the Hokies travel to Georgia Tech where they need nothing less than a bonus point win.

Scorers:
Tries: Whalen (2), Minichiello, Haskell, Murray, Heitzer
Penalties: Hurley (2)
Conversions: Hurley (2)

The Junior Varsity team without several key players who were called upon to move up to the Varsity team, struggled in the first half against a determined Maryland B side. Despite going ahead through a Mike Barlow try, and a Tristan Raisch try off broken play, the Hokies found themselves down 22-10 with just 20 minutes left.

Just like in the Varsity game, the Hokie JV team showed a lot of heart and forced themselves back into contention. Brad Randall scored a try then another solid performance from flanker Matt Pragdat was capped with the equalizing score. The game ended tied at 22 all.

After the success of the shirt auction which raised $1,200 for the scoreboard fund, we are announcing another fundraiser with regards to a new Sevens shirt which will be worn by the Hokies this summer and fall for the Atlantic Coast Rugby 7's series and championship.

At this time we would like to offer members of the Virginia Tech rugby family a chance to help support our efforts to build up the infra-structure of rugby at our field in Blacksburg. In about a months time, we will be ordering a set of 12 new shirts for the Sevens team. For a donation of at least $500, you will receive a new Sevens shirt. On the back will be the number of your choice and the word 'Hokies'. And on the sleeve under the stripes, will be the VT logo. This shirt costs over $120.

We have already had a promised donation of $500 and hope this fundraiser will be another success.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Coach Andy Richards

GREENSBORO, NC (March 13, 2012) – The Atlantic Coast Rugby League has announced the launch of a new collegiate Rugby 7s series, the Atlantic Coast Invitational Rugby 7s Series, to be run in the fall of 2012. Four one-day tournaments will be held in different locations up and down the east coast, which will lead up to the Atlantic Coast Rugby 7s Championship, sponsored by USA Sevens LLC, which will be held in late October. 

The idea behind the series originated with Clemson Head Coach Justin Hickey.

“With the Olympic inclusion of Rugby 7s and the current trend of 7s competition in the United States, the Atlantic Coast Rugby League (ACRL) has the opportunity to set the standard on how Rugby 7s operates and competes at the collegiate level.”

Each ACRL team will have the option to enter any of the Series tournaments. Once it is established how many ACRL teams will be attending each tournament, the extra slots will be opened to non-ACRL collegiate teams through an application process. The one-day Series tournaments will have either eight or twelve teams depending on the venue.  The Atlantic Coast Rugby 7s Championship will be contested over two days and will be limited to the men’s rugby teams from the universities in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Patrick Kane is the ACRL League Commissioner and Co-tournament Director of the Atlantic Coast Rugby 7s Championship. “The expansion from a single tournament to a series is a natural progression given the increasing popularity of Rugby 7s. It will expose our teams to more and better competition while providing competition opportunities for collegiate teams outside of the ACRL,” said Kane.

ACRL teams who will be allowed to enter each event of the series will represent the following universities:

•                Clemson University

•                Georgia Tech

•                N.C. State University

•                University of Maryland

•                University of North Carolina

•                University of Virginia

•                Virginia Tech

•                Wake Forest University

As well as the eight members of the ACRL, Florida State and Duke have also been extended invitations to the Series events and to the Atlantic Coast Rugby Sevens Championship.

Tentative dates and venues to be confirmed are:

September 15th – Blacksburg, VA

September 29th – North Carolina (Raleigh, Charlotte, or Greensboro)

October 13th –  Atlanta, GA

October 13th – College Park, MD
October, 27th-28th – Atlantic Coast Rugby 7s Championship (Location TBD)

Information on the application process for non-ACRL teams will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Atlantic Coast Rugby League, the Atlantic Coast Invitational Rugby 7s Series, and the Atlantic Coast Rugby 7s Championship are not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

 

Virginia Tech Rugby is proud to announce the return of Coach Perry Pence to the team.

Coach Pence was an assistant coach and ran the academy team between 2006 - 2009. Since then he has spent a year coaching Blacksburg men's team. Because of work and family comittments he has been unable to commit to returning to Virginia Tech rugby until now.

Coach Pence will rejoin the team with immediate effect. As well as helping out in all areas of training he will coach the Junior Varsity team for the rest of the spring. Next fall it is hoped that he will coach the Varsity team.

A heartbreaker at North Carolina it was, the end of Virginia Tech's 2012 ACRL aspirations, it was not. 

Despite conceding a try at the death, which consigned the team to narrow defeat, the Hokies can still win the ACRL. But to do so, they cannot lose again and they must play better than they did against North Carolina.

The game started badly and UNC scored within the first minute. Virginia Tech recovered from this set back and went close to scoring on several occasions. One effort was grounded by Bill Whalen; everyone saw it except the referee! But the worse thing was the inability of the Hokies to win the quick ruck ball they needed for them to play their game. An individual effort from UNC center Amir Khan saw the Tarheels stretch their lead to 10-0. 

The referee eventually penalized UNC's persistent breakdown infringements and issued a yellow card. Paul Caron stepped up to slot the penalty that followed. Matt Heitzer then broke through the UNC defense to score under the posts. Paul Caron converted the extra points for the sides to go into half time tied at 10 each.

The second half saw the Hokies take a stranglehold on the game. But several poor decisions at crucial moments meant the UNC try line wasn't breached. The Hokies went ahead with two Paul Caron penalties but couldn't quite seal the deal and bury a stubborn Tarheel team. With just a minute left Khan got the ball and broke through several tackles to get UNC to within a point. The kick went over and less than 30 seconds later the game was over for a 17-16 UNC win.

This loss was down to not putting away chances and allowing UNC to still be in the game with a chance at the end. 

The Hokies now go on spring break and next play Maryland in Blacksburg on St. Patricks Day. The season is still in their own hands, as long as UNC don't go undefeated, but it will take a much improved performance to defeat last years ACRL champions.


Scorers:
Tries: Heitzer
Penalties: Caron 3 from 3Conversions 1

The Junior Varsity team righted the ship somewhat, by running in nine tries against the UNC B side. Fly half Brad Randall capped a good performance by scoring three tries. The hardworking Matt Pragdat got a brace, while there were single tries for Tristan Raisch, Nick Funk, David Christian and the hard charging center Adam D'Amico.

This was a great team performance. Captain Mike Barlow led from the front again and there are several JV players knocking on the door for a Varsity place. Wing Carter Neal is turning heads with his strong running and solid tackling and center Adam D'Amico is improving every game.

Scorers:

Tries: Randall (3), Pragdat (2), Raisch, Funk, D'Amico, Christian
Conversions: Pragdat (3)

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and players, the shirt auction raised a total of $1,200. I have checks for $1,010 which will be deposited into the Virginia Tech Foundation (Men's Rugby) account today.

We are still short of $5,000 before we can purchase the scoreboard and have it installed. It is hoped that we can raise the money and get it in place over the summer. 

We would ask everyone that is a member of the Virginia Tech Rugby Alumni, parent, player or millionaire software company owner, to look at what we are trying to do and help. Getting our infra-structure in place and making an investment for the future is the best way to build our program. Making our field a place where people want to come and watch rugby will bring in recruits, investment and will go along way to getting Virginia Tech Men's Rugby team back on the national scene as a force.

We have already raised the funds for new goal posts, had them installed and bought new custom made field equipment. Please help us reach our goal of buying and installing a new electronic scoreboard.

If you wish to support these fundraising efforts with a tax exempt donation, you can visit our Support VT Rugby page or contact Coach Richards.

It wasn't the best week of preparation for the Hokies - getting the turf field pulled by the school, eight inches of snow and then a thunderstorm were just a few things to try and prevent the team from getting ready to play their opening game against NC State. But a young Hokies team who have worked really hard since early January were determined not to let external factors play a role. Even on the day of the game, a 7am field inspection had to be made before the team hit the road.

On a damp and muddy field with a strong wind blowing, the Hokies had to withstand a tough NC State attack in the first twenty minutes. But despite playing into a howling wind the Hokies were able to work their way up field with some strong running led by Captain Matt Heitzer. Then it was the Hokies turn to play a tight game which led to flanker Bill Whalen crashing over from close range. Flanker Ryan McGrath then took the same direct path and scored, for a 10-0 lead.

It looked to be plain sailing but NC State showed their usual dogged style by smashing away at the Hokie line. Good defense
kept them out until repeated infringements at the line left the referee with no choice but to award the penalty try which was converted by Bryan Maxwell. The Hokies again the ran the ball well and ended up with a scrum deep in the Wolfpack half. There was then a clever move which saw No8 Michele Minichiello take a pass from Ryan McGrath to score in the corner, which Matt Heitzer converted, to restore the lead at 17-7 which

NC State used the wind to get back into Hokie territory and were knocking at the door once again. This time the referee gave scrum-half Austin Himes a ten minutes rest with a yellow card. NC State eventually scored again through Craig Maxwell, his brother Bryan again converted the extra points. 

At halftime the score was 17-14 to the Hokies. The important thing was that the Hokies had the lead and now had the wind at their backs. But if the Hokies thought it was going to be a rout, NC State had other ideas. The Wolfpack never stopped tackling and played to their strengths with close quarter pick and drives. For about twenty minutes they looked like they could steal the lead and but for strong defense by the Hokies, they would have. 

But the Hokies got back into the game and eventually got the ball into good attacking positions. It was now Virginia Tech's turn to apply the pressure. Time and time again the Hokies worked away at the NC State line before scrumhalf Austin Himes muscled his way over for the all important 4th try. With just a few minutes left, flyhalf John Vicinski put the icing on the cake which made the scoreline a little flattering. Paul Caron converted both tries.

The elements didn't help the Hokies with the way they want to play, but being able to grind out a win at NC State against a determined and much older team was a very important start to the league campaign.


Scorers:
Tries: Whalen, McGrath, Minichiello, Himes, Vicinski
Conversions: Caron (2), Heitzer (1)


The Junior Varsity team were to be undone by the wind. In the first half with it at their backs they played some fantastic rugby. Some great running by Hooker Nick Funk, Center Adam D'amico and Wing Carter Neal see them each score a brace of tries. Winger Tristan Raisch got a seventh try and flyhalf Brad Randall converted twice for a 39-10 half time lead.

But with the wind at their backs and with the addition of some senior players at halftime, NC State came roaring back and ran out eventual winners 42-39. This result will be a disappointment to the JV side but it should not detract from the fact that they played some great rugby for forty minutes. Bigger and better things await this young team.

Scorers:

Tries: Funk (2), Neal (2), D'Amico (2), Raisch
Conversions: Randall (2)