OU wins against Tulsa University

The OU men improved their record to 2-1 Saturday with a win against Tulsa University.  Tulsa is a young team that shows promise for the future and is benefiting from the Tulsa high school program.  It is great to see another state school start their rugby program back up and we look forward to many spirited matches in the future.

OU took the early lead with a methodical exhibition of phase rugby capped by Arrryn Wilkinson at 1:40. Spenser Scott was good on the conversion to make it 7-0.  It didn't take long for Jack Meek to find Wilkinson again for a try. Scott was good the conversion.

During the first half, OU was able to control possession and also made it difficult for Tulsa to establish any offensive pattern. The pressure resulted in sophomore number 8 Eric Meyers breaking through for a try at the 15 minute mark. Meyers is adjusting to his new role at #8. He still will see time at prop when situations dictate. Soon after, senior winger Adam Stewart scored. Captain Jack Meek added his own score and then fed sophomore center Colin Coleman to finish the half. With all conversions good the score stood at 42-0.

Wholesale changes were made at the half. It was a great opportunity for us to get some younger player on the field and to try some new combinations. Sophomore Cody Basel who had been working really hard off the field saw time at flanker. He is now a solid backup for our 2 rows and on the back row. Working with Basel was Taylor Mokate and Adam McCall.  Arryn Wilkinson was moved to outside center from his normal fullback position and shows promise there. He may see action this season at both spots. We were able to run a new front row for the match and they were able to gain some much needed experience.

With the changes the second half started a little sloppy and the heat of the day started showing on some players. Tulsa refused to concede the match and showed some great athleticism and heart. After Wilkinson's hat trick try, Tulsa responded with a 70 meter break away and followed it quickly with another at 62 minutes.  Captain Meek rallied the troops for two quick scores. Showing great spirit, Tulsa scored the final try of the day. The final score was 59-15.

Positives on the day: We realized one of our objectives for the week in that we maintained better possession off of our first phase. Many younger players were able to see action. A new front row was able to play and gain much needed experience. Our backs seem to be coming together as a unit and showed better lines of running. Our freshman and sophomores are starting to play like upper classmen and realizing their roles as contributors.

We will continue to work on our fitness and our defensive attitude this week as we head to Texas for a Friday night showdown with SMU. Texas University has backed out of our traditional match the night before the OU-Texas game. All alumni, family and friends are encouraged to support the team. Matches will be at 6 and 8 on the campus of SMU. Thursday night we will be hosting a recruiting party at the house of Jesuit High School coach Anthony Mattachione.