March 21, 2017
Austin Huns Dominate Dallas Harlequins
Photo: Norma Salinas Photography
Austin Huns Rugby Release:
Austin Huns Elite Face Rugby Utah April 1 at Huns Field
Austin, TX (March 20, 2017) – The Austin Huns hosted the Dallas Harlequins at Huns Field this past Saturday. This cup match marked the second and final time the two would meet this season. The Austin Huns proved to have too much pace and firepower for the Harlequins, defeating them 89-5 and 103-0, in Division 1 and Division 2 matches, respectively.
Austin Huns D2
It was a hot, sunny day at Huns Field as the teams prepared to take the pitch for battle. The Austin Huns D2 were anxious to get back on the field having not played a match in three weeks. The Huns opened the game full of energy and in electrifying fashion by scoring a try in just two phases after the opening kickoff. Just minutes later, the Huns dotted down their second and third tries. From there forward, the Huns D2 could not be stopped, nearly scoring at will, down to the final seconds of the match. Once the final whistle blew, the Austin Huns D2 ran away with a 103-0 victory over the Dallas Harlequins D2.
Austin Huns Elite
Immediately following the Austin Huns D2 match was the Austin Huns Elite versus the Dallas Harlequins D1. The Huns Elite were home for their first time in a month. The team planned to build on what they accomplished the week before on the road in NOLA; however, that did not look to be the case the first half. Plagued by knock-ons and penalties, the team could not find their flow. Despite being up 27-5 at the half, the team was not happy with their performance on offense, though defensively they were as dominant as seen in their previous matches.
After squad discussions and some minor lineup adjustments, the Austin Huns bolted back onto the field, into the scorching Texas heat with new energy. Led by Team Captain Lomani Tongotongo, the Austin Huns Elite played the remainder of the game at their pace and focused on the basics of catching, passing, and communicating. The team soon found their stride both offensively and defensively, and scored ten uncontested tries in the second half, winning the match 89-5.
“I am happy with the win, and we will take the five division points and bank it. I am however concerned about our execution and concentration abilities. I knew it would be a disruptive game. There is an old saying that states ‘a team is as good as your opponents.’ But I think if you are a professional team you have to excel above your opponents and be more accurate and clinical in execution. There are many positives to take from this game, like our offloading, which is great at this stage. On the other hand, some of the basic are not in place; unforced errors need to be improved. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to test our team against good sides,” said Austin Huns Elite Head Coach Eugene Eloff.
Austin Huns D3
The Austin Huns D3 (Horde) traveled to Corpus Christi to take on the Crabs. Despite a slow start, the Horde battled through low numbers and a strong wind only to fall short, 33-21. Cory Macon had an exceptional game with two tries and great open field play.
Upcoming Austin Huns Elite 2017 Season Games
Home Games
April 1: Austin Huns vs. Rugby Utah
April 15: Austin Huns vs. Glendale Raptors
April 29: Austin Huns vs. Richmond
May 6: Austin Huns vs. NOLA Rugby
Away Games
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 http://www.austinhunsrugby.com for more information.
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Photos provided by Norma Salinas Photography
