by Lana Douglas
Staff Writer
“It’s the barbarian sport played by gentlemen,” said Vickie Gesellschap, the referee’s wife, at Saturday’s rugby game between the Bryan Lions and the undefeated Sewanee Purple Haze (Sewanee, Tenn.).
Bryan's rugby club clashes with Sewanne's Purple Haze. Triangle photo by Lana Douglas.
The final score of the match was 42-7.
Injuries prevented four of Bryan’s starters from playing. However, Bryan was still able to score more points that any other team Sewanee has played this year, said senior Phillip Kohler, president of the Bryan College rugby football club.
According to Kohler, the struggle to get possession of the ball coupled with multiple smaller penalties, made it difficult for Bryan to advance on the field.
“We played very competitively,” said Kohler, “I was hoping the score would be a little bit closer.”
After the match, Brian Stringer, Sewanee’s head coach, complimented Bryan’s progress as a team.
“I remember the first time we played Bryan College; when they were a ramshackle bunch,” said Stringer, “…they [Bryan] are a very competitive team…and I have nothing but praise for them.”
Tags: Phillip Kohler, rugby, Sewanee, Vincent Smith
