Written by: Assistant Coach Matt Heavens

After an opening match forfeit by Wesley College last weekend, the Neumann Knights were anxious to get back into action for 2016. Washington College came to Aston fresh-off an opening win against Ursinus. The Shoremen took possession after a scrum and moved several phases before the Knights got on track taking the ball and making it a long day for the lads from Chestertown.
 
Joe Ellis scored the maiden try of the 2016 campaign on a heads up play off a kick at the twelve minute mark putting the blue and gold up 5-0. Sophomore Brendan Kern and fellow forward Ricky Connelly each added tries and John McNichol Jr.slotted one conversion to put the NU in front 17-0 midway through the first half. Pierre Thibert raced sixty plus meters for a score to close out the half 22-0.
 
The second half saw much of the same with Mike Steenberge scoring at the two-minute mark. Santino D'Angelo added two more tries and Man-of-the-Match Liam Ruddy touched one down to begin his Neumann career. David Andreozzi playing his first rugby match added a conversion and played like a seasoned veteran on defense and the attack. 
 
All told, 11 players saw their first action for the Neumann University Rugby Club with five playing rugby for the first time. 
 
The club will next head to Haverford in another EPRU match-up on Saturday, September 24.