Barons Advance to the NSCRO Semi-Finals

MADISON, Wis.—Day one of the National Small College Rugby Organization regional playoffs was a victory of the Franciscan University Baron rugby team as the Barons defeated the University of St. Thomas 26-12. The Saturday afternoon win at the central regional semi-finals moves Franciscan into the final round tomorrow.

It was a continuation of peak performance for the Barons after last week's 24-5 victory over Duquesne University in the Allegheny Rugby Union championship. The team knew playoffs would bring top challengers from around the country.

"This is the NSCRO [regional] finals and here we see rugby at a whole new level," said head coach Mark Hanrahan. "The competition is very good.  All of these teams have won their conference before and our boys rose to the occasion today.

"This was an exciting match," he continued. "The forwards dominated the scrum for the entire game, and our fitness and conditioning really proved to outlast the competition. [Mike] Brasie came back well rested and ready to go after last week's game out.  He scored the first try of the game within the first three minutes of the match." 

Forward Adam Smyth was the man of the match, scoring two tries on the day.  "Smyth scored today on pure hustle," noted Hanrahan, "He is a non-stop player, a hard worker, and today he gets the glory."

Tony Gayed added a try for the Barons and a kick was also scored to round out the win.

"[Today's win] was a great team victory," said Coach Hanrahan.  "This team plays with a uniquely uniformed and focused spirit unlike any team I've ever seen.  They are fixated on unity and on the prize.  Day in and day out the guys remain focused on the game at hand."

The Barons move on to day two of the NSCRO semi-finals tomorrow at 2 p.m., facing University of Wisconsin-Parkside. "We are ready to go tomorrow," Hanrahan said. "We are cautiously optimistic and confident."