GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - It was the ideal setting for a long-awaited rugby game between Davenport and Iowa Central on Saturday. The sun was shining and the temperature was 43 degrees after a blustery month of gloomy Michigan weather. The anticipation could be seen on the faces of the coaches and players. It was almost one year ago when the Davenport Men's Rugby team was on a bus headed to Marietta, Ga. to play #1 Ranked Life University. Almost half way to their destination they received a phone call that would ultimately turn the bus around and end their season due to Covid-19. The Men's Rugby team being a special bunch didn't allow the setback to affect their preparations for the upcoming fall season. As the fall approached, and the addition of several highly-anticipated new recruits came to bolster an already impressive roster, DU was poised to have an outstanding season. As with most team sports, Davenport was postponed by Covid-19 once again. They now had to wait until spring to test their skills against conference opposition. As fall passed and they worked into winter they were devastated by another setback, the loss of their head coach Lance Hohaia to another budding program in the area. The Panthers once again were able to work through seasonal uncertainty with the addition of Interim Head Coach Dustin Steedman and Assistant Coach Mat Finlay to continue team preparation. After one more setback due to Covid-19 and the canceling of their season opener versus Lindenwood University, the guys were finally able to take the field in a home game against Iowa Central. A powerful NSCRO team that has the ability to cause harm to those who take them for granted or come into the game unprepared. 

Davenport cruised to a 66-12 result at the DU Turf Field.  After a long hiatus it was no surprise that the game would start a little rocky. However, it wasn't long before #10 Matthew DeVilliers took control of the score line at the 10-minute mark in a short scamper into the try zone and converted one of nine conversions on the day. Matthew would see the try zone as the leading scorer in a great performance four more times on the day. He accounted for 41 total team points. Make no mistake it was a complete team effort as the defense was especially suffocating. As the game wore on, the tough Iowa Central squad was able to expose a few gaps in the DU defense on counter attacks allowing them to score 12 points.

Sam Timmermans scored off a cheeky quick tap take advantage of a penalty given up by Iowa Central inside their own 22-meter line
Clayton Crist answered a few questions at the wing with his defense and rucking on the edge. He also added five points with a powerful run out-stepping the Iowa Central defense.
Josh McAdam team Captain powered through the Iowa Central defense off of a turnover ball to score.
Ethan Howard made his debut in his first time donning of the Panthers jersey. He was able to show where the nickname "Moose" is an appropriate title with his score in the 35th minute of the game.
Dominick Lamancusa showed his hard work in the offseason playing a very solid Fullback position. Although he was moved to the Flyhalf position when he was able to make his mark on the game finding a gap between two defenders to score the last try of the game. Next week, the Panthers find themselves battling a tough Life University team in Marietta, Ga. on March 13.

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