February 20, 2017
Austin Huns Elite Beat Austin Blacks Winning 45-14
Photo Norma Salinas Photography
Austin Huns Release: Feb. 20, 2017
NEXT MATCH SET FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AGAINST GLENDALE RAPTORS AT INFINITY PARK IN DENVER
Austin Huns Elite rugby squad stamped their names in the history books as they defeated the Austin Blacks 45-14 at Huns Field on Saturday, February 18—their first win, in Division I rugby, over the Austin Blacks in over 20 years. “It was a great occasion at Nixon Lane, and yes, we made history, but in my years of experience I also know history can change if you are not on top of your game,” said Austin Huns Head Coach Eugene Eloff.
The Austin Blacks’ record-breaking winning streak was halted, in front of a large crowd online and in person, by inside center and team captain Lomani Tongotongo’s final run into the try zone untouched for the Austin Huns seventh and decisive try over the two-time national runner-ups, Austin Blacks.
The Austin Huns controlled the game early, forcing the Blacks to commit multiple penalties and driving them downfield with kicks to touch. Penalties and great ball movement lead to a try in the corner less than four minutes in by Austin native Brian Welborn. It was a defensive battle between the 22’s after the Austin Huns’ first try; it was not until the 19th minute that the Austin Huns scored another after an offload by vice-captain Hanco Germishuys to Sani Taylor. Austin Huns extended the lead to 12-0 after the conversion by Timothée Guillimin. Late in the first half, the Blacks put points on the board, scoring in the 36th minute off a series of pick n’go’s, bringing the score to 12-7 for the half. This 5-point margin was the closest the Blacks would come the remainder of the match.
The Austin Blacks came out on fire in the second half, making big hits and putting the Austin Huns on their back foot, but those flames were quickly extinguished 6 minutes into the half with a try by Fly-Half Timothée Guillimin, extending the Austin Huns lead to 19-7. The Austin Huns ran away with the game after this point, scoring four more tries. Hanco Germishuys, former Austin Blacks Pierce Reed, and Mason Pedersen all scoring a try before Lomani Tongotongo final try to close out the historic win, with a 45-14 rout of the national championship runner-ups, Austin Blacks.
Austin Huns will “take this win and bank it, and be humble about it because we know there is a long way to go and we still have many improvements to make,” said Eloff. “The Blacks came out hard, and it was a tough game, but we stuck to our guns, and I think we succeeded in being accurate and sticking to our game plan, chipping away at the wall, and that is why the result went our way.”
The Austin Huns Elite are set to face a strong Glendale Raptors team at Infinity Park in Denver, Colorado, Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on Glendale’s YouTube Channel.
Austin Huns D2 and D3
Austin Huns D2 displayed flashes of brilliance, great defense, and skillful rugby, but failed to close out the game. With less than 10 minutes remaining, the Austin Blacks were able to score three tries.
Austin Huns D3 fell short against a strong Austin Blacks team, but many young players gained valuable experience against a well-prepped team.
Upcoming Austin Huns Elite 2017 Season Games
Home Games
March 18: Austin Huns vs. Dallas Harlequins
April 1: Austin Huns vs. Rugby Utah
April 15: Austin Huns vs. Glendale Raptors
April 29: Austin Huns vs. NOLA Rugby
Away Games
February 25: Austin Huns vs. Glendale Raptors
March 11: Austin Huns vs. NOLA Rugby
April 8: Austin Huns vs. Dallas Reds
April 22: Austin Huns vs. Austin Blacks
May 13: Austin Huns vs. Rugby Utah
Purchase tickets to the full season or individual games at austinhunsrugby.com/tickets.
About Austin Huns Rugby
The Austin Huns Rugby Football Club was founded in 1972 as one of the first rugby clubs of its kind in central Texas. For more than 40 years, the Huns have developed an organization and a culture that have produced winning teams, first class coaches and players, and a training and competition facility that is unmatched by any other in the region. The club is dedicated to developing athletes for national and international rugby competition, who are also constructive and contributing members of the community. The Austin Huns take pride in their contributions to improving the City of Austin and the culture of athleticism in the United States. Visit www.austinhunsrugby.com for more information.
Follow the Huns on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube (@AustinHunsRugby) for the latest news and scoring. #AreYouHUNgry
Photos provided by Norma Salinas Photography.
