Glendale RFC won convincingly, 57-35, over the Denver Highlanders on Saturday. However, with the start of the playoffs a week away, there is some concern among the GRFC coaching staff that there could be some areas which need attention in order for the players to defend their championship title successfully. 

GRFC were first to put points on the scoreboard during the game on Saturday with fly half Tyler Siegel converting a penalty in the opening minutes of the game. Siegel then went on to score a try during the first half, which he converted, as well as the other five first-half tries scored by center Simon Dogbe, full back Iniki Fa’amusili (two), center Justin Pauga and flanker Clint Camp.

The Denver Highlanders only managed to secure 13 points by halftime to Glendale’s 45. The Highlanders’ points came from two penalty conversions, a try and a try conversion.

The Highlanders returned to the field in the second half with renewed vigor and DI found themselves being tested defensively. Within the first twenty minutes of the second half, the Highlanders had scored an unconverted try, executed a well-applauded drop goal and converted a penalty to bring their score to 24, while GRFC held fast at 45 points.

Pauga put a stop to the Highlanders momentum when he scored a try halfway through the second half and, while the try went unconverted, a try by flanker Spencer Scott 10 minutes later was converted by Siegel and Glendale increased their output to 57 points.

The Highlanders crossed the line on two more occasions before the final whistle blew and the tries were converted too, which finalized their score at 35.

The final score was Glendale RFC 57, Denver Highlanders 35. It’s fair to say that the first half belonged to Glendale and the second to the Denver Highlanders, but Man of the Match belonged to Tyler Siegel for his kicking accuracy, controlling the attacking options and his great individual try.

In summing up the match on Saturday, Mark Bullock, director of rugby for Glendale RFC had this to say, “Despite the convincing win, our coaching staff has some serious concerns about our defensive effectiveness as we let in four tries on Saturday against the Highlanders -- and last week too against SFGG.

“If we don’t become better on defense, our progress through the playoffs is likely to be short.”

Glendale RFC hosts Houston Athletic Rugby Club this Saturday, April 28, in the Round of 32 playoffs. Kickoff is at 7 pm in the stadium at Infinity Park.

Glendale 57: Dogbe, Fa’amusili (2), Pauga (2), Siegel, Camp, Scott
Convs: Siegel (7)
Pens: Siegel

 
Denver Highlanders 35