October 5th, 2019 • Eckerd College Campus

Eckerd College Tritons vs Tampa Bay Area Pelican RFC

 On a warm Saturday evening early in October the Bay Area Pelican Rugby Club kicked-off their 2019-2020 season. Being hosted by the only other men’s team in St. Petersburg, Florida, Eckerd College’s Tritons RFC. Though this match was just a friendly no one treated it as such with the crown of best rugby club in St. Petersburg on the line.

The Pelicans used their pack weight advantage to assert their dominance with the forwards. The ball stayed with the Pelican forwards the majority of the game, and as a result 3 of the Pelican’s 5 tries were by forwards. Within the first 15 minutes Pelican lock, Max Reynolds, broke through the Tritons’ defensive line to score the first try of the match, shortly after, 8 man and Pelican Captain, Jordan Czaplicki would score his first of two tries scored on the day. Before days end; fly-half, Bayou Wainwright, and full-back, Brendan Roth would also pick up tries for Pelican Rugby. Man of the match honors go to blindside flanker and rugby newbie Matt Houchin. Matt showed up to training two weeks ago with no rugby experience, but was eager to learn, and learn he did. He quickly impressed Coach Hatras, earning a starting spot for the club’s first game of the season. Playing the whole game, Matt made several key tackles and rucks to bring home Man of the Match!

Thank you to all the Pelican Rugby supporters who came out to cheer us on at Eckerd College.