Mudfest 2009: A, B-sides ready for annual event

By • April 2, 2009 • Category: Uncategorized

The UW-Platteville Men’s Rugby Club started their season play with a home tournament in preperation for the much anticipated Mudfest.

The UW-P ruggers hosted UW-Madison March 28 in their first tournament of the semester, Ruck-a-Palooza.

Ruck-a-Palooza is played with UW-P’s B-side team in order to give the younger members some game time and practice. The final score of the tournament was 7-0 in favor of Madison, who also played their B-side team.

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Photograph by Anthony Bauer
Pioneers’ Rugby team participated in Ruck-a-Palooza March 28. This is the first of two home UW-P Rugby tournaments. The tournaments bring rugby clubs and enthusiasts from the Tri-state area.

“Even though the B-side lost, they played very well and showed a lot of promise,” Tim Eickholt, senior member, said. “This was one of the most organized B-side teams in Platteville history.”

One thing that really stood out from the match was how dominate the B-sides scrums were Eickholt said.

Madison scored their seven points during the first 40 minutes of play with the second 40 minutes, or second half, of play going back and forth between the two B-side teams, both teams showing good defense.

“I think the B-side has some minor things to work on but overall we played well considering for a lot of guys that it was their first rugby game experience,”

Ross McBee, sophomore rugby member said. “We hope to work on not committing dumb penalties and also meshing as a team this week so we are ready to compete as a B-side at Mudfest”

Santino Zizzo, senior rugby member and forward captain, said 7-0 against UW-Madison is an amazing score considering they are ranked nationally and went to the Midwest playoffs.

The UW-P Men’s Rugby Club will continue their season on Saturday, April 4 in the annual Mudfest Tournament. Both A and B-sides will participate.This year, not only will the collegiate teams be playing, but an addition has been made that will allow men’s rugby leagues to participate in a side tournament as well. Games start at 9 a.m., concessions and apparel will be for sale.