By Christine Walsh
Contributing Writer
The Bonnies men’s rugby defeated the University at Buffalo, 48-31 in their season opener yesterday afternoon Saturday September 10.
The game started off with a score by junior Alejandro Alonzo. With 27 minutes to go in the half, Buffalo scored, then back to the Bonnies goal again by Alonzo. The kick was good and the score remained at 12-7 with 10 minutes to go.
The Bonnies put up a tough battle through the first half and ended it with a 24-12 lead. Coming back into the second half they continued to stay strong. Goals went back and forth throughout the second half including a third goal from Alonzo. As the game progressed, Eammon Matthews had a huge run leading the Bonnies 41-26. In the remaining ten minutes, Kyle Ciquera of the Bonnies had a goal.
Coach Andrew Tui Osborne said the Bonnies best part the team got out of the game was the last 25 minutes before the subs were put in. In the first half, things weren’t quite going their way. This was when the team had to dig deep and problem solve, really helping them score points.
“I think the details and putting subs in where they can attack better is what we can improve on,” said Osborne, “Guys are still adjusting to the game plan, and we definitely need to work on individual skills, along with the individual player.
Osborne discussed after how well the team played together today, and going into the next game against Wheeling Jesuit, creates a huge confidence booster. “It definitely helps to get a win behind us to push us through in the next game.”
The Bonnies will head on the road next Saturday as they will take on Wheeling Jesuit University at 1 p.m.
