Vail Rugby Club defeats Steamboat Springs and remains undefeated

Despite missing several key players, the Vail Rugby Club beat Steamboat Springs 67-19 on Saturday in Vail, remaining undefeated this season. The home team let Steamboat Springs score first, but returned the favor with 31 unanswered points in the first half.

“We are very proud of the boys for coming together and achieving a great victory despite the absence of many regular players,” said head coach Joe Lippert, who had to make do without captain Reece Smith and Riis Du Plessis.Du Plessis scored 31 points on 13 of 13 kicks in his team’s 98-12 win over Grand Junction last week.

“Matt Surles-Davis and Aiden Farrell did a fantastic job as captains, keeping the team together and focused on the right things,” Lippert said. “We showed toughness and the ability to stay true to our standards no matter who is on the field.”

Andy Naringo led the way with three tries and caused havoc on defense throughout the game, as did Rhett Quinn. Rashon Jennings added two tries for Vail, which moved to 3-0 with the win.

“So many Pack players played above their weight in the first half,” said assistant coach Bob Barrett. “They broke Steamboat’s spirit. Steamboat was physical.” Barrett said the team’s substitutes retaliated with several “combative rucks.” He praised Noah Champion for numerous explosive runs and a key interception, and mentioned Milan Burger’s heads-up strip deep in Steamboat Springs territory that dashed the visitors’ hopes of a comeback.

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Vail travels to Steamboat Springs the next two weekends, with a rematch against their Mountain League rivals this Saturday and the Cowpie Classic tournament on July 6.

“I am looking forward to getting some players back after vacation or injuries and to taking the momentum into the hot phase of the Mountain League season,” said Lippert.