Orlando Rugby Club

Orlando traveled to Jacksonville on Saturday to play a division II pool match. Once again Orlando found itself in trouble early with penalties that led to a Jax penalty kick within the first 5 minutes of play. Orlando played the next 10 minutes inside the opposition 22 but was unable log any points. More poor play led to three tries let in by the Orlando defense. All conversions were missed by Jax making the halftime score 18-0. After a stern talking to by the coach, Orlando looked like a different team throwing ball around the pitch with the best display this year of forwards linking with backs and vise versa. Marcel McKinnon-Allen was able to put the first try through for Orlando. In the end Orlando had given away too many points in the first half and despite playing much more disciplined rugby in the second half they found themselves on the losing end 23-15. Special thanks and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Todd Cherner (leg), Kiwi Jason (ankle) and Tom Murphy (knee).

The loss is the first for the club in FRU or USA Rugby competition since August 07. Orlando will refocus and be ready for another tough opponent in the Gainesville Hogs who come to town Saturday March 29. Kick off is at 1:30. The match will be the first of a double header as Orlando Div. III will play their pool championship match against Treasure Coast following Orlando Div II v Gainesville. The kickoff is scheduled for 3:30.

Man of the Match
Pati Tanuvasa