The pigs traveled north last weekend to take on 3 time defending D2 college national champions University of Minnesota – Duluth. In typical Duluth fashion it was very windy which affected each teams attack. The first half the pigs went up 20-10 with the wind at their backs. The first points of the match were scored by the pigs on a penalty via a kick to bring the score to 3-0. Duluth answered with a try and the Pigs answered back with three tries and two points from a kick. Duluth scored a final try to finish off the half. The second half started with the wind at the Pigs’ face and Duluth was able to bring the score up to 20-20. Rest rest of the second half was largely a stalemate with one more try scored by the Pigs and immediately answered by Duluth tying the score up again at 25-25. Because this was a friendly a third half was played and new bodies were shuffled in. In the final minute of the third half the Pigs made a very long drive to score. The kick was made and the score increased to 32-25 as the whistle blew for full time. It was a very exciting match to watch and we look forward to future friendlies with Duluth. The Pigs’ next match will be May 14th details will be released soon. Also make sure to find your favorite Jazz Pig and get your ticket to the annual Saulala Mafi Pig Roast which will follow our home matches on the 14th! There will be beer, food and a raffle.

Close games by both sides on Saturday paired with some beautiful weather made for a great day of rugby. The first match of the day was with the D2 side. The pigs struggled to find their stride early on, ending the first half with a 24 point deficit. However they not only closed that gap in the second half, but were up by 7 points with 10 minutes left in the match thanks to a solid defensive effort, crisp back line play and three tries by man of the match Jole Miller. Metropolis was able to score two times in the second half bringing the score to 38-34. The Pigs made one last offensive push as time ran out and the game unfortunately came to a close as the result of a penalty while within Metro’s 22. Overall a great second half effort by the Pigs.

The D4 team took the field afterwards for another 80 minutes of rugby. Lots of new players got reps in and the Bombers came out on top with a score of 36-29.

We’ll keep this momentum moving forward as the Pigs travel to Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, April 23rd to take on Des Moines RFC.