January 19, 2016
Austin Huns Lose To Dallas RFC In Closing Minutes
Photo: Norma Salinas Photography
Austin Huns RFC Press Release: January 19, 2016 Match Report against Dallas Reds
Austin, TX – The Huns gave up a try in the closing minutes for the second week in a row at Nixon Lane, this time losing a bruising encounter with Dallas RFC 17-25. The Reds finished 3rd in the country last season, so the home team knew this would be a test. From the opening kickoff both sides hammered one another, with big hits and hard runs all over the park. Dallas was able to keep the ball in Huns territory for most of the first half, finally getting over the line after 20 minutes with a try from wing Zack Klump. The thundering hits continued, and few minutes later Dallas open side flanker was forced off with an injury.
The visitors continued to spread the ball wide, attacking the edges with their speedy backline. The strategy backfired when Huns’ blindside Kyle Breytenbach intercepted a pass and showed impressive speed to outrun the cover defense and score from 50 meters out. Thierry Daupin slotted the conversion and the game was tied. After the kickoff, the men in blue were finally able to sustain possession in the visitors’ half, and were rewarded with a kickable penalty. Daupin knocked it over and the half ended with the Huns up 10-7.
Both teams made adjustments at half time. Dallas came out playing more direct rugby, getting their pick and go game going and feeding the ball to inside center Kelly Kolberg. The Huns showed greater continuity and some territorial kicking. Dallas scored quickly to retake the lead 10-12. Poor discipline at the breakdown saw the home team give up several penalties, and Dallas converted two of them for points to lead 10-18 with about 17 minutes to play.
The Huns went back to work, smashing the visitors in the tackle and putting together some good continuity in attack. With 10 minutes to play and the Reds down a man due to a yellow card, their efforts were rewarded when Breytenbach broke a couple of tackles and centered the ball for a try. Alex Liles, on as sub at wing, converted and the stage was set for a thrilling finish. Huns 17, Dallas 18. Play went back and forth, the crowd erupting with each big collision or line break. Dallas went to the pick and drive to kill time and keep and the ball out of Huns’ hands. Desperately the Huns tried to turn the ball over, finally giving up a penalty that allowed Dallas to pin them deep in their own half. As the game ended, the Reds scored off another pick and drive and the comeback was extinguished. Final score Huns 17, Dallas 25.
Battered but unbowed, the Austin Huns take on crosstown rival Austin Blacks next weekend at Burr Field.
About HUNS Rugby Football Club
The Huns Rugby Football Club was founded in 1972 and is one of the first rugby clubs of its kind in Central Texas. Over more than 40 years, the club has developed an organization and a culture that have produced winning teams, first class coaches and players. The Huns’ training and competition fields are unmatched by any other in the region. For many years now The Huns Rugby football club remains one the largest men’s clubs in the United States, competing in all 3 National USA Rugby 15s divisions and the National 7s division.
