Simsbury Rugby Takes First Win of Season

Submitted by SHS Rugby Club

Simsbury High School Rugby Club started its 2012 season with an impressive 37-12 win over Staples High School on Sunday March 25th.    

The team worked off some 1st game rust and an early 5-0 hole to roll out 37 straight points in a dominant win over a tough Staples club that was playing its 3rd game of the season.    

Simsbury was led by captain Luke Bradley who scored 2 impressive trys and the kicking of  Matt Poomprakobsri  who made 3 penalty kicks and converted 2 try conversions.  The team also got trys from newcomer Brad Helmkamp, and co-captains Luis Torres and Alex Malayev. 

Simsbury  dominated their line-outs with the combination of Ken MacCormac and Brenden Taylor controlling the set piece play and Lloyd Shepard,  Lucas Day , Dan Zupin and co captain Garrett Crowe effectively winning ball in the rucks and mauls.    The backs applied constant pressure with Brian Poggio, Matt Taylor,  Willie  Majeska  and Gerald Nelson.      

The B/C side  had an impressive 17-14 win with many players getting into their first ever Rugby match and coming away with a smile.        

"A fantastic Day for Rugby and a great start to our 2012 season "  Coach Ed Matteo said.   "We threw a lot at the kids in a short 2 week window and stressed how important it was to get the season started on the right foot and the players responded and I'm proud of how the senior members of our club stepped up and led by example"  .  

"We also were able to get every player that was part of our club that was healthy to play into the B/C match to get to experience the sport of Rugby.   A lot of work to do but happy with what we accomplished today."