Pygmies Fall To Clovis

Mountain Mail Reports

The Clovis Nomads Rugby Club defended their turf against the first-ever invasion from a New Mexico Tech team Saturday April 11 as they won 24-12.
After seven minutes Sam Calvillo of the Nomads caught the Pygmies napping by running up the short side of the field from the back of a standing maul. Fullback Isaiah Sanchez made a covering tackle for Tech but the Nomad overload was too great and after a brief interchange of passes Calvillo dove over the try line for five points. The two-point conversion kick attempt was unsuccessful.
During the remainder of the first half Vinny Comerford, a native of Dunhill, Ireland, managed two penalty kicks to add six more points to the Nomads' total, before his team was penalized close to their own line with seconds left in the half. With the offending team backed up to their own try line, Tech captain Royce Beaudry gave the ball to flanker Joe Tyson who banged his way home near the goalposts. Dustin Webb's conversion was good for an 11-7 Clovis lead at the half.
NMT kicked off the second half and Clovis went to work on the game's brightest attacking move. The Nomads maintained possession through several tackles and then moved the ball wide to speedy wing Joe Stevens who evaded one tackle to score in the corner for 16 - 7 lead.
Midway through the half, a Tech player committed a penalty near his own line and Clovis opted to boot-tap the ball and run. Again Sam Calvillo surged through tacklers to put the Nomads clear 21 - 7. With ten minutes remaining and few signs of a Pygmy rally, Comerford added his third penalty kick to further dampen Tech spirits at 24 -7.
Five minutes from full time the Pygmies were offered a consolation when a Clovis runner dropped the ball in front of Beaudry. Tech's always-competitive flyhalf alertly kicked the ball forward and won the race to collect the try that went unconverted.
Joe Tyson was recognized by his teammates as Tech's Man of the Match. The team will host the annual Socorro Challenge Tens Tournament April 24.

Pygmies Fall To Clovis