Young White Side Wins Again

September 29, 2007 - Sportport

The Bomber Whites were too much for a young and talented University of Illinois side, running in 10 tries in a 62-7 victory. The White side squad is also youthful, talented and numerous- with 40 players dressing for Saturday's matches.

The Whites stuck to a simple game plan, with solid set play and defense, playing the match in the opponent's end. The first try came from flyhalf Jim Morrison, whose game management and goal kicking were exceptional on the day. Wing Oscar Iglesias and fullback TJ Ebner scored on the backs of a strong forward platform and good distribution from 18 year-old center Nick Godfrey and outside center Joe Mertz.

Speedy wing Tim Stolarski was once again a big weapon for his side, proving dangerous with every touch of the ball. Stolarski finished off strong work from forwards Jim Hoffmann and Zach Giljum to score, quickly followed by prop Tim Basler's try from a punishing run. Halfback Kevin Tucker, a product of Desmet and Kohlfeld, was excellent at distributing quick ball when on attack. #8 Ben Schwab finished off the first half scoring with a strong run, resulting in a 38-0 Bomber lead at the break.

Wing Marc Dethloff opened the second half scoring with a great individual play from an Illini kick. Dethloff outjumped his opposite for the ball and then turned on the jets to score from 40 meters out. Locks Matt Gleed and Josh Rainey were strong in the lineouts, well supported by props Seamus Gilligan and Vinnie Wroughton, and the throwing of hooker Ben Virtue. Mertz and Stolarski added tries late, as did replacemnt flanker Kyle Manley.

Illinois played a full 80 minutes with no let-up, and were rewarded with a try from Vince Clarkson, converted by flyhalf Buddy Lo. Flanker Quinn Doriety was the man of the match for Illinois. Doriety led the way in the tackle count and was very dangerous with ball in hand, inspiring his team throughout the match. The final scoreline favored the Bombers 62-7, but St. Louis certainly knew they were in a tough match.

The newest Bombers faced off against Illinois in a developmental match, with the many of the new faces enjoying their second-ever rugby match. Halfback Scott Wozniak played an exceptional match, displaying a strong pass, good tackling and solid decision making. The front row of Chris Loftquist, Matt Viox and Tom Klepzig set a solid platform for quality ball all day.

Flanker Kevin Brown scored the only try of the match by running hard and straight, testing the Illini tacklers. Wozniak's conversion was good and the Bombers led 7-0. Wing Chris Wilson was unable to finish off another Bomber attack, getting "turtled" ingoal, unable to press down for the try. Wozniak suffered a similar fate in the second half, spilling the ball before pressing it down.

#8 Sam Stahnke, coming back from injury, played well- launching many bruising runs at the opposition. Center Doug Ashton has picked the game up extremely fast, and was solid in his passing and defense. Locks Sean "Kingpin" Gunnell and Ted Dunn played well, as did wing Brad Panke and fullback Adam Gottemoeller. Nic Clark, Woody Wodicker, and Chris Jaeger also contributed to the win.