Dexter Rugby Club Shows Momentum in Season Opener

Submitted by Paul Burke

The Dexter Rugby Club picked up where they left off last year with two impressive wins over Grand Blanc (31-3) and Livonia (40-0) to open their 2012 season in Division 1 on April 18.

The former Division 2 state champions used great pace from their backs, combined with precise and well-timed passing to move the ball almost at will against their opponents. Dexter’s defensive play was equally effective as neither team was able to score a try against Dexter.

"The ball was continually secured by fantastic rucking from the very strong and well-drilled Dexter forward pack," club president Paul Burke said. "The Dexter pack won their own ball with ease and overpowered the opposition to turn over the ball on many occasions."

Burke said Dexter's coaching team has been impressed with the way the team has executed the opening two games.

“To score 11 tries and concede none in our first two Division 1 games has demonstrated what a fantastic bunch of players we have," he said.

Senior fullback Alex Mortensen and senior center Jeff Baldus lead the Dexter backline attack supported by junior Tony Shiguango, and seniors Peter Brundage and Jacob VanHoof. Sophomore halfbacks Guy Burke and Gordon Makin have become a dynamic combination getting the ball quickly from the forwards to the backs resulting in breakaway runs.

Dexter’s forward tight-five are anchored by seniors Chase Galloway, Shawn Chamberlain, Tom Nafziger, Lucas Rieckhoff and Ryan Kimball, with junior Ryan Calhoun hooking effectively.

"Dexter has benefited from great play from its loose forwards including seniors Max Vestergaard, Josh Boren, and Evan Leonard, with juniors Keoni Koch and Spencer Flannery," Burke said. "Dexter has exceptional depth, which allows the team to substitute with no drop-off in quality thanks to senior Joey Racine, juniors Anthony Bell and Trent Green, and sophomores Harrison Kane and Jack Donevan."

Dexter's “B” team also started the season with a 51:5 win over the Downriver Sharks. Dexter continues its season on April 25 at Birmingham.

"Birmingham is always the toughest game of the regular season," Burke said. "They are a well-coached team who play clever rugby. We will have to play hard and smart to win."

The “B” team plays at Lakeview on April 27.

Dexter's home games are played at Manly Bennett Park on Merrill Road in Hamburg. New players are welcome. For more information call Paul Burke at 734-834-4395, or visit www.dexterrugby.com.