Friday Night Rugby: James River v. VCU

In the curtain raiser to the annual Friday Night Lights match between James River and Richmond, the lady ruggers of James River took on VCU in an abbreviated match. Despite the shortened playing time, there was plenty of action for the fans, who lined the River sidelines in great numbers. That action was primarily controlled by River, who gave VCU a sound 70-0 beating.

River initiated the scoring in the first couple of minutes of the match and never let off the gas from there. The JR back line put up the first few tries, and then the forwards got in on the scoring, tallying a total of 37 points in the first half. VCU was able to drive the ball deep into River territory in the first half, but the River lines kept VCU out of the try zone.

The River defense proved to be superb when it was needed, however it was seldom needed as the River Women dominated possession and field position. JR’s backs riddled the VCU defenses with holes with their ball movement and kicking and the forwards consistently won VCU’s ball in breakdowns and set pieces. This command of the pitch resulted in another 33 points in the second half.

Though the match was lopsided on the scoreboard, the green VCU players never wavered in their aggression. Without fail, they continued to throw their bodies against those of a stronger River squad. This play is the type River relishes in ruggers who could potentially be part of their own squad.