Game Summary | Video Highlights

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport used their speed and experience to overpower the visiting Fighting Irish Saturday afternoon. The Panthers jumped out to a 34-0 lead at the half and cruised to a 58-17 win as ten different players picked up a try for Davenport. Member of last year's team received their USA Rugby D1-AA National Championship rings prior to the game.

Davenport didn't take long to get on the board against the Irish as Nick Glocke got the opening try for the Panthers 3:30 into the game. Mason Baum followed that score up with a try six minutes later.  After a missed Notre Dame penalty kick from near midfield, the Panthers ran off four trys by Jean Pierre Eloff, Anthony Welmers, Chris Hathaway, and Erin Hillary to finish the half.  

The first half scores were highlighted by Anthony Welmers try. With a scrum from just outside their own try line, the Panthers started a fast break and with great passing they made it the length of the field practically untouched allowing Welmers to finish the try for Davenport.

Up 34-0 entering the second half Davenport was able to keep the pressure on when Travis Kamstra scored a minutes and a half into the half.  A few minutes later Notre Dame snapped the Panthers 39-0 run with a try and conversion.

The Fighting Irish would add another try, conversion and a penalty kick but weren't able to slow down the Panthers. Knute O'Donnel, Reece Czarnecki, and Nick Burger each added trys in the second half to help Davenport to a 58-17 win.

Prior to the game, members of Davenport's 2012 USA Rugby D1-AA National Championship team received their rings. Notre Dame's Head Coach Sean O'Leary, who gave Davenport Head Coach Kruger Van Biljon his start in coaching, was presented with a signed rugby ball and Championship medal by Coach Van Biljon.

Post-Game Notes

Ten different Davenport players scored trys in the win over Notre Dame…Davenport has won 19 straight 15s match-ups dating back to 2010…The Panthers improve to 3-0 all-time against the Irish.