Rocky Mountain defeated Mountain View 41-22 in the opening weekend of the Rugby Idaho season.

This game was special not just because it was the opener, but because it was played at a dedicated rugby pitch with permanent posts.

The Mountain View Mavericks came out with both guns blazing and quickly dotted down two tries to lead 10-0 in the first 12 minutes. Sticking to their pedigree, Mavericks forward pack was big, powerful and, as expected, well coached by Hamish Bell and staff. They led the way for much of the first half and dominated the scrums.

Photos by Jeff Stiles.

The Grizzlies then woke up from their winter's hibernation at the 15-minute mark, scoring with a try, and then adding another when rookie loosehead prop Anthony Tuccinardi rumbled for 40 meters, and then made a nice offload to scrumhalf and captain Jaron Bradford to make it 10-10. Flyhalf Kyle van Tonder kicked the conversion to make it 12-10.

Mountain View scored again to close the half with the lead, 17-12.

The first 10 minutes of the second half remained a heavyweight battle between Rocky and Mountain View exchanging try for try. 

Rocky Mountain halftime backline adjustments proved successful as the Grizzlies backline caught a little fire, looking dynamic at times.With van Tonder's backline play-calling and lightning fast passes to the outside backs, five different backs were able to score, putting the game away 41-22.

Openside flanker Carter Beck, a first-year player who is reportedly BYU-bound, showed a high work rate both offensively and defensively, and earned Forward Man of the Match. Sophomore fullback Zach Irwin played with passion, made tackle after tackle, and was electric on offense. He earned Man of the Match for the backs.

Jeff Stiles photos.

Rocky Mountain boys Varsity Head Coach, Kirk Pulver, added “we have a long way to go but the boys proved themselves that they can compete and that playing unselfish Rugby can produce, positive results. With so many first year Varsity players, you never know how long it will take for them to switch on. Effort was there at times, especially in the last 20 minutes.  Many of the boys grew into young men by the final whistle which was nice to see. As long as they remain hungry, humble and eager to learn, we just might win a few matches this season.  Will be nice to get back to full strength as well as we were playing a few players down”.

Rocky will be hosting another respected foe, defending Idaho State Champions Capital High School of Boise, on Friday.