Utah Valley Steps Up Against CPL Opponent
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Utah Valley proved once again today that it can run with the big boys of college rugby, beating Colorado State 19-6 in Fort Collins. Utah Valley has now won the last 3 meetings between these two teams dating back to 2008 when this series began at the San Diego Invitational.
In blustery conditions in Fort Collins, the Utah Valley team won the toss and decided to utilize the strong wind in the first half and the decision proved to be the correct one, all 19 of Utah Valley’s points coming in the first half. The second half wasn’t without its opportunities, although some questionable handling and a few marginal calls went against the Utah Valley team and they were unable to add to their score.
Colorado State were the first to get on the score board with an early penalty, but once the Utah Valley team settled their nerves, they begun to move down the field. Using the powerful wind behind them, the wolverines employed a tactical kicking game that continually put the Colorado State team back on their own goal line and under pressure. Turnovers led to Utah valley getting the ball in great attacking position and that pressure turned into tries soon after.
Winger Dan Ottesen was the first recipient of the great field position, receiving a cut out pass and dotting down 5 meters in from the right touchline. Kicker Joe Carnation’s conversion attempt missing in what would be politely described as “difficult” kicking conditions. Colorado State would kick another penalty though and the game was close again before Utah Valley got back down the right end of the field and turned territory into points again, this time from 12 phases of forward play, lock Ty Jones scoring the try.
But as Utah Valley looked like they were beginning to dominate the match, a yellow card to wing Dan Ottesen saw the Utah Valley team reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes and the momentum squarely shift to Colorado State. Solid defense held the Rams at bay and before long Utah Valley was attacking again. The forwards showed tremendous patience and strung together multiple phases close to the line before putting hooker Viliami Fonohema over by the posts. Joe Carnation added the extras to both this try and the previous try to make it 19-6 in Utah Valley’s favor.
The second halve saw a massive defensive struggle, Colorado State using the strong wind to keep the wolverines pinned on their own line for long periods of the half. But the defense held strong and even created a few turnovers that led to some great counter attacking runs that the Utah Valley team is starting to showcase game in and game out.
Utah Valleys B side team also played well in the second match of the day, getting a good win over a solid Colorado State B team. Utah Valleys A side will be back in action next weekend back in Utah as they take on Boise State University at home in the Utah Rugby Union competition.
