Wheeling, W. Va. - In mid-February, the Wheeling University Rugby team kicked off their spring 7's season when they went to the Pitt 7's tournament. On Saturday, they head back to 15's play when they take on the Three Rivers Conference All-Stars at 2 PM. The group consists of the top players from smaller schools like Saint Vincent and Franciscan University as they showcase their skills against a Wheeling team that is coming off an NCR (National Collegiate Rugby) Rhino Rugby Bowl win back in December.
In their last time out, the Wheeling Rugby team secured four wins at the Pitt 7's tournament to take home a first-place finish in the tournament. Wheeling started the day against the Pitt Grey team and handed them a 38-0 loss before beating Dayton by a similar 36-0 score. The Cardinals allowed their first points of the day against West Chester in game number three, but still came out of there with a 41-5 victory. That earned them the right to take on the Pitt Blue team in the final game of the day in what would be the team's closest of the four games. Wheeling built a 24-0 lead over the Panthers heading into the second half before Pitt Blue added two scores. However, it wasn't enough to catch a high-powered Wheeling team as the Cardinals went on to win 24-12.
Wheeling had several key contributors throughout the afternoon but were led by the efforts of sophomore Ayoub Jalli. Jalli scored five conversion kicks in the first two games for the Cardinals and added one more to bring his total to six tries on the day. He also was taking conversion kicks in the earlier games for his team and added on six conversion kicks to give Wheeling a total of 42 points on the day. It was a strong start to the sevens season for Jalli as he continues to step up as a leader for the Wheeling Rugby team.
Some of the other top performers on the day for Wheeling included sophomore Mohamed Haddar and freshman Chief Chipfumbu. Chipfumbu scored four tries on the day, one in each of the four games, and used his speed to help set up his teammates on several more throughout the day. He has just been named an NCR Division I All-American for his efforts this season and looks to build off that distinction as the year moves on. Haddar also added four tries for Wheeling on the day, coming alive with two in the third game against West Chester. After the Cardinals found themselves behind 5-0, Haddar responded with a try that got Wheeling on the board to start the game. He was a big player for the Cardinals during 15's season and looks to translate that success into 7's play.
This 15's match will give some of Wheeling's backs one final chance to work on things during the season. With guys like Bailey Brunner, Joe Howley, and other Prop players not taking part in 7's, it will be another chance for them to get out there and showcase their skills on Saturday. Wheeling does play one more home 7's tournament at Bishop Schmitt Field, but for some of these players it will be their last chance to perform in front of their home crowd. The Cardinals look to show off their high-powered offense and score early and often to get the win.
The Matchup
The Three Rivers Rugby Conference consists of small college rugby teams from around the area including teams from Fairmont State, Robert Morris, and Saint Vincent College. Wheeling hosted the Great Lakes Qualifier back in the fall, an event which featured many of these Three Rivers Conference teams. Now, Wheeling will get a chance to compete against these teams for the first time in program history as they look to not only help better themselves, but the players in the Three Rivers Conference as well.
The Details
Kick-off for Saturday's 15's match is scheduled for 2 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE.
