Men's Rugby | 8/28/2014 9:25:00 AM

Geoff Rugby Release | Rugby Schedule | Rugby Roster

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport men's rugby team opens up their 2014-2015 campaign as they travel across the Canadian boarder to face McMaster University on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.  The game is actually one of two games the Panthers will play in Ontario, Canada this weekend, for they will see the University of Western Ontario on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. James Wood makes his head-coaching debut for the Panthers after taking the reigns from Kruger VanBiljon. The Panthers look to improve upon their 6-9 record from last year, as this is their third year in D1A Rugby.
 
Opponent: McMaster University
Date: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
 
Opponent: The University of Western Ontario
Date: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014
Kickoff: 10:30 a.m.
Location: London, Ontario
 
Scouting McMaster University
 
Last season McMaster went 4-3 in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men's rugby league regular season. The Marauders advanced to the to the OUA postseason semifinals were they lost 38-3 to the eventual league champions Queen's. McMaster looked to claim the bronze medal in the league, but lost to the Guelph Gryphons in the third place game 26-22.
 
Scouting The University of Western Ontario
 
The Mustangs and Panthers met last season in a friendly and the Panthers were able to win the match 36-7. Western Ontario went 6-1 in the OUA last season and advanced all the way to the league finals before the dropped the final match to Queens 40-10. The match on Saturday will be the first of two consecutive matches between the Mustangs and Panthers.
 
Previewing the Forwards
 
The forwards for the Panthers will be highlighted by senior Gabe Sochanek, who was second on the team in tries a year ago, totaling 35 points. Angus MacLellan will also be back for his senior year and looks to propel an otherwise young frontend.
 
Previewing the Backs
 
The backend will see a lot of veteran experience return to the field from last season.  Last years point leader Brady Gent leads the pack, along with other veteran backs such as seniors Mason Baum and Jean Pierre Eloff. The Panthers also anticipate a big sophomore campaign from Sondai Adjei, who looks to build upon his 44 total points from a season ago.
 
Men's Rugby Contact: Paul Anderson | 616-889-4062 | panderson30@email.davenport.edu
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