Duke Rugby Beats Elon 29-10 in Fall Opener
Blue Devils Avenge Last Seasons Defeats
Elon, NC - September 25, 2009 ------- Elon University, the 2009 NCRU Division III Champions, had their way with Duke in
the recent past handing the Blue Devils losses by wide margins (55-3 and 33-7) in the 2008/2009 season. The Duke team made
a commitment to excellence this summer, brought in a new head coach and staff, recruited a crop of talented new players
and trained hard with the goal of dominating Division III and ultimately moving up to, contending and winning in Division I.
After a rocky start, characterized by sloppy ball handling and poor defense, Duke trailed 10-0 at the half. Duke ’s hard
hitting forwards, who had kept the team into the game for the first 40-minutes, continued their aggressive play and wore
down Elon’s pack allowing for Duke’s back line to create space with well-conceived running plays, accurate tactical kicking
and aggressive pursuit of the ball. Elon players, despite losing six starters to injuries and allowing 29 unanswered points
in the second half, fought hard to the end and showed the toughness and skill that has been their trademark.
Every member of the Duke squad contributed to the victory. Prop, Matt Gaske; Flanker, Diego Proietti and Number Eight, Jake Wood
were especially effective in open play, delivering bone-crushing tackles throughout the match. Duke forwards also dominated the
scrums with outstanding play by Dan Forti, Adam Lange, Kevin Deland and John Pennington. Primary line-out jumper, Louis Hellman
was instrumental in the win, rising 12-feet off the ground, attacking the opposing line and stealing a half dozen of their
throw-ins and virtually all of Duke’s. Recent forwards clinics hosted by NYAC’s Ted Vaccaro paid off for the Blue Devils who
were unstoppable in line-out play.
A back line led by team captain, Calvin Hayes turned it on in the second half with outstanding play by Hayes,
Alex Blum, Chad Gibbs, Jason Liao, Tom Luciano (playing in his first rugby match). David Houck was rock solid
all match in his debut at starting fullback. Freshmen, Lee Gilbert and Nick Wellner played well in their first
starts for the Blue Devils.
Scrumhalf, Greg Gosnell was awarded the Man-of-the-Match Award by head coach, Jay Wisse for his aggressive,
heads up play and masterful leadership throughout the match.
Training will continue this week and after fall break, Duke will take on N.C. State and Western Carolina University on
Saturday October 10 in Raleigh.