written by: Assistant Coach Matt Heavens    

The 2019 Neumann University Men's Rugby Club opened their 2019 National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) Gold Division fall campaign by topping LaSalle University, 29-10, on Saturday, September 14. Four players touched down trys, with Gaetano Quintiliani leading Neumann with two.

The Explorers were spotted a 5-0 lead on a try at the 30-minute mark aided by double digit penalties and some first game rust by the boys in blue. Neumann was finally able to crack through five minutes later on a Quintiliani try for a 5-5 half.

The Knights were able to  find their shape in the second stanza, dotting down four trys over the final 40 minutes. Freshman Shane Schrader got the team started by slipping from a ruck to give Neumann a lead it would not relinquish at the 51-minute mark. Connor Gilden slotted his first of his two conversions for a 12-5 advantage. A mishandled free kick seven minutes later gave LaSalle a quick try to pull within 12-10, but Neumann quickly responded as AJ DelleMonache raced down the wing for a diving try. A barrage of bashing runs by Dan Dumas, newcomer Adam Figorski and the Neumann forwards took their toll on the LaSalle defense keeping the Explorers on the back foot the majority of the second half. Quintiliani smashed through from 10 meters and Liam Ruddy raced 50 meters to round out the scoring. 

Neumann Head Coach Larry McManus remarked "we reduced our penalties and increased our possession in the second half. The result showed on the scoreboard."

The Neumann lineup featured four freshman along with Schrader, Mike Michini, Mike Schwab and Dino Cerquetelli played their maiden college match. Newcomers Zac Clifton, Hunter Garman, Joe Hoy and Figorski played their first career 15s match.

Next up: @ Susquehanna Univeristy on Saturday, September 21 ... kick-off slated for 2:00pm.