An ESU Old Yellow Rugby Club member runs up field Saturday at the ESU rugby pitch. ESU won the game against Northwest Missouri 84-7./PHOTO BY KELLEN JENKINS

The Emporia State Old Yellow Rugby Club won their first home game against Northwest Missouri 84-7 last Saturday.

In 120 different countries, rugby enthusiasts actively participate in this ever growing popular sport.

The rules of rugby consist of two teams of 15 on field players. The object of the game, is to score the most points by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball to win the game.

Rugby is played much like an end-zone invasion game. Each team focuses on gaining possession of the ball, taking it into the opponent’s territory and placing it in the end zone.

Emporia State has joined the ranks of the rugby community as they look toward to more success.

“We prepared pretty well,” said junior flank Allen Peterson “We went through a lot of game day situations in practice and we have been doing a lot of running and it showed out there.”

Unlike past seasons, this season’s competition schedule includes non-club teams such as Wichita State, Kansas University and many other collegiate teams.

“Right now we are looking pretty strong,” said sophomore outside center Anthony Clemons. “We are planning to win every home game. We have a pretty tough schedule right now but the team is looking pretty good.”

This year, the team consists of only Emporia State students, including new comers as well as veterans from past years.

“This is the best season we have had,” Clemons said. “There are no injuries this season. Everyone is coming back from injuries from last year.”                                      The rugby club hopes to achieve collegiate status by the end of the season, according to rugby head coach Charles Mathew Seimears

“We would like to beat KU,” Peterson said. “We almost beat them last year and we have a lot more experience this year.”

Even though the team last year was not as popular as it is this year the team has been able to fill in the gaps and improve as a team.

“Collectively I think the pack improved immensely,” Peterson said. “After last year, we had real problems getting possession with the pack last year.”

The ESU Old Yellow Rugby Club will play their next home match April 26 against the Salina Men’s Club. The starting time is still to be announced.

Cristian Echeverria/The Bulletin

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