Perrysburg vs. Dearborn
The Perrysburg Jackets Rugby team's first home match of the season proved to be it's toughest match of the early 2014 campaign. The Dearborn Silverbacks have a rich and successful history in Division 1 of the Michigan Rugby Union posting several state titles and state semi-final finishes. Dearborn entered the match 2-0 on the season with an impressive 100-0 stomping of Livonia.
At the kickoff, Perrysburg knew they had their work cut out for them. Dearborn came out quick, hitting hard and catching the ball on pace but the Jacket defense held. Early on the Jacket forwards dominated the scrum giving multiple opportunities for their backline to put together some great runs. Flanker Dan Waltermeyer finally got Perrysburg on the board midway through the first half. Flyhalf Chris Labadie made a difficult conversion to put the Jackets up 7. Dearborn answered towards the end of the half knotting it up at 7.
Dearborn started the second half looking like a different team. The Silverbacks were winning most of the rucks and scrums and the Jackets were on the defensive the majority of the half. Near the end of regulation Jacket Fullback Caleb Wotring linked up with Wings Jack Walton and Robert Shank for two long runs into Dearborn territory but were unable to score. The Jackets held strong and the Silverbacks weren't able to put any points on the board ending this back and forth match in a 7-7 tie.
End of the 1st Half: Perrysburg 7 - Dearborn 7
End of the 2nd Half: Perrysburg 7 - Dearborn 7
Scoring:
Dan Waltermeyer- 1 Try
Chris Labadie- 1 Conversion
