INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Davenport men's rugby team opened their spring season with a 28-17 win over Big 10 Conference champions Indiana. The Panthers were a little rusty after their winter break starting the match slightly off the pace. Indiana opened the scoring first, with a penalty conversion in the third minute. Shortly after, the Panthers began to regain control of the match with slick passing from his inside backs, which created an opportunity for Josiah "Chipo" Mupeso to score off the back of a nice scrum move. Mat De Villers converted the kick. A mounting penalty count against the Panthers in the latter stages of the first half kept possession in the hands of Indiana for long periods. The defensive effort from the Panthers was commendable, holding out sustained attacking threats from Indiana. Captain Josh McAdam scored a brilliant individual try, beating multiple defenders, from the base of the scrum. Mat De Villers converted to make it 14-3 at the half.

The second half started well, however the Panthers found themselves on the wrong of the penalty count once again which meant a lack of possession for the men in red. McAdam scored his second try for the day in the 56th minute to give the Panthers a sizeable lead. The home side hit back with a try of their own shortly after. Freshman Jacob Gent took advantage of some powerful running by the DU forwards to score next and De Villers conversion followed. The team had a few harsh calls go against them throughout the match, but none more so than the last 15 minutes of the match where Indiana had the majority of possession for the remaining quarter of the match. Indiana were able to sneak over for one last try in the last minute of the game.

submitted by Lance Hohaia