While Clemson rolled on and Wake Forest got their first victory of the season, the big game in the Atlantic Coast Rugby League was likely Maryland against Virginia Tech, and in many ways that matchup did not disappoint.

 

Maryland, averaging over 80 points a game, were stymied by a very strong Va Tech defense, and managed only two tries on the day. But the Hokies only got one, and the Terrapins emerged 15-5 victors.

 

Maryland began the game running into the teeth of a stiff wind, but they handled it well and scored a try from Josh Marotske, which flyhalf Matius Cima converted. Cima also added a penalty, while Va Tech scored a lone try to make it 10-5 at halftime.

 

“We played quite well into the wind,” said Maryland Head Coach Jeff Soeken. “We controlled the ball well and controlled territory. But I think at halftime it was almost as if we let up because we knew we had the wind.”

 

It’s a common occurrence in rugby, as conventional wisdom says you have an advantage with the wind, the game ends up differently. Often the team with the wind in its face works harder to control possession, an excellent way to win rugby games. And with the wind, teams kick the ball away, and then fail to cover those kicks adequately.

 

For Maryland, the problems occurred in the backline, as good possession was turned into bad with miscues and knock-ons. The Hokies countered with a forward-heavy attack that threatened to turn the game around.

 

“They were good in the rucks, and they made things messy for us,” said Soeken. “But our backs also had a rough day - running when we should have passed, making errors.”

 

Near the end of the game Maryland stole a lineout in Virginia Tech territory, and hooker Parker Embree, who has been one of the unsung heroes of the team this year, took the ball in to seal the game 15-5.

 

“We didn’t play very well, but we did get the win,” said Soeken. It was good enough to put Maryland just ahead of Clemson in 1st place in the ACRL. Clemson beat NC State 70-5 (http://www.goffrugbyreport.com/college-men/clemson-powers), while Wake Forest beat North Carolina 32-26 to notch their first victory.

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like it’s Maryland or Clemson for the ACRL title, although Va Tech is still in it. The Terps and the Tigers meet November 8 at Clemson.   

ACRL (DIAA, ACRC)
	W	L	T	Pf	Pa	Pd
Maryland	3	0	0	179	5	174
Clemson	3	0	0	144	5	139
Virginia Tech	1	1	0	19	15	4
North Carolina	1	2	0	53	58	-5
NC State	1	2	0	36	162	-126
Wake Forest	1	2	0	47	190	-143
Virginia	0	2	0	12	55	-43