Known primarily for their Hockey rivalry which dates back to 1950, both Denver University and Colorado College have become rivals on the rugby pitch as well. While there is no “Gold Pan” (the trophy created for the hockey rivalry in 1993) as of yet, the ferocity, the hits, and the intensity are just as real as the rivalry on the ice either at DU’s Magness Arena or CC’s World Arena.

Rugby rivalry between DU Pioneers and CC Tigers was renewed this past Saturday at Denver University on the field behind the Peter Barton Stadium and next to the CYBER soccer field.  While this rugby pitch has yet to be named, suffice to say that DU alumnus Jim’Bob’ Glabman was in attendance and it was the scene of a beautiful spring day college rugby match.

The Pioneers dominated the majority of the first half.  Denver University prop#1 Casey Slattery was the first to break through the CC forwards’ defense and cross the goal line, dotting the ball down for the match’s first try just ten minutes in.  DU winger Filipe Mansilla missed the conversion, but that did not deter the Pioneer’s offense as DU #8 Trever Hanson tried just four minutes later which Mansilla did convert to make the score DU 12 to CC’s 0.

Pioneer Felipe Mansilla scored a try of his own halfway through the first half, which he promptly converted.  Then DU’s other front row, tighthead prop Jace Jackson got into the scoring action with ten minutes left in the half as he crashed through scoring DU’s fourth try of the first half and Mansilla added the conversion as the score ran to DU 26 and nil to CC as the match looked like it could become a one way track meet.

Although they started slow and had their defensive problems at the start, Colorado College was not ready to lay down and die as Tiger pride and determination finally came to life in the 36^th minute as #1 CC loosehead Ty McVicker was not to be denied as he scored a try which Tiger flyhalf Jesus Gonzales converted putting CC finally on the scoreboard and leaving the half time tally DU 26 to CC 7.

Colorado College came to life both defensively and offensively in the second half and it looked to be a tail of two halves. CC fullback Ricky Boebel had a nice run through what had been a stellar DU defense and grounded for CC’s second try of the match, but the conversion failed.  DU 26 to CC 12.

Boebel then ramped up the pressure touching down his brace as DU’s defense cracked under the onslaught of Tiger force and midway through the second half the score was DU 26 to CC 17.

Denver University resurrected with less than seven minutes to play as big #8 Nathan Ostlie crashed over and scored what was to be DU’s only score of the second half as DU fullback Joe Petrusic successfully made the conversion having replaced Felipe Mansilla as the kicker who had gone off with a hamstring injury.

Colorado College Tiger pride would not quit and they used several phases to get down within the DU 22 yard line. After repeated crashes by both forwards and backs, and several penalties against DU for several infractions, referee Khumalo Brighton had had enough and awarded a penalty try to CC with only three minutes left in the match. Colorado College however had left too little too late and were unable to come away with another score in the waning minutes of the match as DU was victorious at home DU 33 to CC 24.

Denver University Pioneers 33
Tries:  Slattery, Hansen (2), Mansilla, Jackson;
Convs: Mansilla (3);

Tigers 24
Tries: McVicker, Boebel (2), Pack;
Convs: Boebel (2)

Match Official: Brighton Khumalo