We worked really hard this year to defend our now 8–0 record. – Kyle Sumsion
PROVO — BYU defeated Saint Mary’s College for the second time this season, 35–26, proving that the Cougars are No. 1 in the nation.
More than 3,000 fans were on the edge of their seats Saturday at BYU’s South Field as the No. 1 Cougars took on the No. 4 Gaels.
“Saint Mary’s came out with a tough defense, but we worked our way around it and built momentum for a strong victory,” said BYU rugby head coach David Smyth.
Following a demonstration of the haka by BYU as a sign of respect to the game of rugby, the team had a rocky start.
Saint Mary’s led until BYU’s first try by senior center Seki Kofe, followed by junior fly half Jonny Linehan’s conversion, bringing the score to 16–7 in the 28th minute. Junior center Joshua Whippy scored a try in the 36th minute. The Cougars trailed 16–14 at halftime.
The second half brought a penalty kick from Linehan, giving BYU a one-point lead. Linehan scored a try, bringing the score to 22–16. Saint Mary’s made a slight comeback and took the lead, but BYU held off the Gaels. Linehan, after suffering a minor injury, scored another try to take the lead.
BYU forwards Ara Elkington and Alex Voerster played a critical role defensively, making tackles to help the Cougars limit the Gaels to two tries.
The game followed a similar pattern as the one two weeks ago, when BYU beat Saint Mary’s, 32–28, in Moraga, California. Saint Mary’s played hard, but ultimately the Cougars dominated. BYU celebrated a double as the team’s Second XV also beat Weber State University earlier in the day.
“We worked really hard this year to defend our now 8–0 record,” said BYU rugby team captain Kyle Sumsion. “It helped feeling the enthusiasm of our fans. We want to say a big 'thank you' to all those who came to support us.”
Next week the Cougars head up to Salt Lake to play Utah in the Wasatch Cup. For more information on the BYU Cougars, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or at rugby.byu.edu.
Game notes:
BYU Second XV defeated Weber State 76-12
BYU First XV Saint Mary's
Final — SMC 35-26
1. Zane Mendenhall; 2. Alex Voerster; 3. Kody Thompson, 4. Dan Hubert; 5. Kyle Lontine; 6. Kyle Sumsion; 7. Ara Elkington; 8. Joe Pikula; 9. Luke Mocke; 10. Jonathan Linehan; 11. Joshua Anderson; 12. Seki Kofe; 13. Joshua Whippy; 14. Tua Laei; 15. Ryan Blaser
Scoring summary:
1’ SMC 3
11’ SMC 5
18’ SMC 3
26’ SMC 3
28’ Kofe 5, Linehan 2
36’ Whippy 5, Linehan 2
Half-time: BYU 14 SMC 16
41’ Linehan 3
43’ Linehan 5
56’ SMC 3
58’ Linehan 3
61’ SMC 5, 2
69’ Laei 5, Linehan 2
76’ Linehan 3