It was a beautiful day for rugby when your Saint Paul Pigs traveled down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to take on the Headhunters in a relegation match to determine who would stay in Division II. Both teams played with an intensity that clearly showed just how much was on the line. By the end of the match, it was obvious that both clubs deserved to stay in DII, however, there could be only one victor.
The Pigs got off to a good start when Scott Colby made a little scamper down the sideline, evading several defenders, to set up a try for Jesse “Vick” Engen. Joe “Rubber” Lang converted to put the Pigs up 7-0. Unfortunately, that was the only time the Pigs would see the try-zone, however, they were buoyed by the always excellent kicking of Zach “Padre” Boardman who managed to drill in two phenomenal penalty kicks. It was a real nail-biter though, as the Headhunters scored their second try with 5 minutes left in the match, putting them within 1 point. However, they failed to convert, and the Pigs put on a last surge of intense rugby to hold on to the lead until time expired. Final score, 13-12.
Man of the Match – Bryan “Buttons” Buxton
Big Hitter – Jesse “Vick” Engen