Michigan Rugby defeats Sparty 43-29

In a tight, physical encounter, the Wolverines defeated in-state rival MSU in front of a boisterous Mitchell Field crowd. The back-and-forth game featured five lead changes and was tied twice in the final quarter. Down 24-29 with 12 minutes to go, #8 Davis Grimm punched in a short-range try to tie the game. Five minutes later, inside center Jack Vecchio broke through and found a supporting Jordan Perez who was high tackled near the try line and Michigan was awarded a penalty try. Now up by seven and with a man advantage, the Maize and Blue pounded in a final try through loosehead prop Brandon Walter. Nate Feldman's conversion made the final score 43-29.

Tries were scored by Grimm (2), Perez, Sam Glasberg, and Walter. Feldman added four conversions and a penalty kick. The remaining seven points were tallied via the penalty try.

The team has only a few days to recover before traveling to Obetz, OH to play the Fighting Illini in the Big Ten 3rd-place match at 1pm Saturday. The team will provide some great bye-week viewing to kick-off Sparty week as the game will be broadcast on Eleven Sports, as I am sure you all learned all you need to know about rugby by watching the thrilling world cup that just concluded.