written by: Assistant Coach Matt Heavens

The Neumann University Men's Rugby Club fell short versus Franklin and Marshall College, 33-31, on Saturday, October 12. A large Homecoming crowd was on hand to witness the exciting  back and forth match between these two National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) Gold Division rivals. 

F&M scored first at the seven-minute mark, driving in from five meters out for a 7-0 lead. AJ DelleMonache raced seventy meters for a try at 21 minutes for the Knights first score.
The Diplomats added a second try to close out the half 12-5.

F&M scored in the opening moments of the second half to increase their advantage, 19-5. Freshman Shane Schrader notched a try and Connor Gilden touched down a try and a conversion to bring the Knights within two at 19-17. The clubs then exchanged a pair of tries - F&M, Gilden, F&M, and finally Dan Dumas to bring the final score to 33-31. 

The club will return to action with a Friday-evening affair versus local-rival, Widener University, at 7pm in Chester, PA.