Final Score: 22 (0) - 14 (7) 

"Saturday is a rugby day!" And what an eventful rugby day it turned out to be.  France beat World Champions England to lift the Six Nations trophy.  Ireland claimed their first Triple Crown (beating England, Scotland and Wales) for the first time in 19 years.  The Minks recorded their first victory over Richmond in four years at Highland Belle.  Rob Rain voluntarily displayed his joy of a first score by jumping in the river and streaking through the KD keg off.  Dan Ward led the victory chant and tasted the sweetness of success (and Auerbach's ass).  Ultimately everything that was practiced during the week just seemed to click on the field.

Four years ago the Minks were a drinking club with a rugby problem.  Three seniors, Ryan Duffy, Charlie Kimbrough and Jock Wols, and one W&L alumni, Tom Lovell, have witnessed how the rugby club transformed itself into a successful and respectable organization in the W&L campus community as well as the VRU.  Saturday's victory ably concluded the careers of the Minks' seniors who, without a doubt, will be sorely missed.

Once 2 o'clock came around, it seemed like the setting was perfect for the ultimate rugby day.  The fans had yet again flocked to the game, our rugby managers were definitely recognizable and the weather was perfect for rugby.  Richmond won the toss, chose the far side of the field and elected to take the kickoff.  The Spiders piled on the pressure in the early stages of the game.  We absorbed the pressure, and continuously were able to protect our tryline.  The Spiders dominated set play throughout the game.  Superior size and technique in the scrums, and skillful lineouts made life tough for the Minks.  Mark Woodward separated his shoulder early in the game - a big blow for the Minks.  Rob Rain, in only his second ever match, filled Woodward's position and produced an awesome performance.  Despite the poor set pieces and stupid errors (such as playing the ball on the ground), we managed some great rucking and mauling.  Support was also good.  Richmond eventually scored the first try and converted.  A quick tap from our 22, and two superb runs by Mike Baker and Mean Joe Green almost saw the Minks close the gap.  Unfortunately Joe mistakenly held the 5 meter line for the tryline. Duffy too was also disallowed a certain try.  Although the intensity was good, we were somewhat hesitant and perhaps intimidated by the team that crushed JMU.

The second half started completely different.  The Minks pressurized the Spiders from the word go.  Two quick early tries by Rory Dowling and Matt Lafkas, saw us grab a 10-7 lead.  Although scrums and lineouts improved, the Spiders still dominated that aspect of the game.  Unfortunately, with the help of some dubious refereeing, the Minks lost their composure and discipline.  A lot of unnecessary bitching and arguing cost the Minks numerous penalties and could've cost us the game.  Luckily we pulled ourselves together and some great pressure on the Richmond tryline saw Rob Rain receive the ball and sidestep his markers and dive over for the try.  Duffy converted and the Minks were ahead again.  Commitment and passion was something the Minks did not lack.  It seemed like every tackle and run was performed at 100%.  The second half will be remembered by two fantastic moments.  Firstly, Baker absolutely crushed his opposite number.  The bloke looked like a vegetable but Baker too must've been hurting.  His response to "What day is it?" was "Give me ball!".  The Kimbrough incident was the other crowd pleaser.  He received the ball, got low, and crushed into two defenders at full pace in the Richmond 22. Quite a sight and sound.  Ryan Duffy scored a brilliant try in the last minute to secure the victory.

For most seniors this will be their last ever rugby match (except for the alumni games which the alumni will now dominate).  The ups and downs, and memories and experiences of the last four rugby years will never be forgotten.  The Washington and Lee Rugby Football Club is, in my opinion, turning out to be one of W&L's greatest traditions.  Four years ago I was shocked at the level of rugby that was played here.  Who knows how far the Minks will advance in the next four years.  One thing is certain though: "Saturday is a rugby day and Wednesday is a hlua day".

By Jochen Wols '04