Overcoming the unseasonable cold this past Saturday, a Crusader team decimated by injury took on Richmond University for the first time ever, racking up an unprecedented 99 points.

Coming off a big weekend at the Cherry Blossom, many Crusader veterans were forced to take the weekend off to rest and recuperate before the Shield Match next Saturday, April 16 at 2pm. However, with Seniors Rob McKay, Joe McMahon, and Sophomore Dan Snyman out for the day, this opened up spots for the younger players, who relished the opportunity to prove that they deserved their position on the team.

Prove it they did, with many rookies scoring beautiful tries for the home team, including Joe Whittaker, Francis McDonough and Will "Shrub" Tomlinson. In the opening minutes of the game, Pat Audino, Paul Maschue and Dominic Mann all rocked over the line to put 24 points on a dishevelled Richmond team. These tries were followed by a beautiful chip over the line, into the hands of rising senior, Joey Kuplack, who looks set to lead a battle-hardened Crusader team next year. By the end of the first half, the Crusaders were ahead, 59-0.

This allowed even more veterans to come off in order to give the more inexperienced players an opportunity to play. Freshman Ben Marsh said after the game, "It was exhilarating being out there in front of the home crowd, I can't wait to do it again!" Even with most of the experience of the Crusaders sitting on the bench, the home team did not give up the fight, but managed to put up an excellent score of 99-15.

The Crusaders take on Franciscan University in the Annual Shield Match this Saturday at 2pm at Crusader Field. Come cheer the Rugby team onto Victory!