Huns Come From Behind to Win Austin Rugby Tournament Championship

by Dave Kelley

Flyhalf, Art Acuna passes the ball out in first phase.

Austin - The Austin Huns capped their 25th anniversary season in fine style on Sunday with a second-half comeback to defeat the Kwagaas Rugby Club 9-5 and win the Open Division championship at the 29th annual Austin Rugby Tournament.

The Kwagaas, an all-star team made up of South African ruggers living throughout Texas, drew first blood with a breakaway try to put the score at 5-0 only six minutes into the match. The Kwagaas forwards had a clear size advantage, but the Huns were able to counter the advantage with strong play from their backs. "Our backs played as well as they have all season", said Huns President Joe Weis. "They really came through when we needed it most."

In the second half, both teams were able to mount drives deep into opposition territory, but only the Huns were able to capitalize, as winger John Davis scored on three of four penalty kicks, missing only on a 50-meter attempt. "J.D. (Davis) was kicking well all tournament, Weis said. "We knew that once he had the wind at his back we'd have a chance to put up some points."

For the Huns, the win earned them their first Austin Rugby Tournament championship since their inaugural season in 1972. "It's a great feeling, said Davis, who was named player of the game for his clutch kicking performance. " "It's about time we won this thing."

The second-half rally was typical of the Huns' performance over the weekend. Only in their first game of the tournament, a 13-0 victory over Oklahoma University, did the Huns take a early lead. Against both Fort Hood and Galveston the Huns had to overcome first-half deficits in order to advance to the finals against the Kwagaas. "We showed a lot of heart this weekend, Weis said after the final match. "We proved something to ourselves and everybody else. This will really give us a boost going into next season."

The Huns also claimed the Legends Division (over 35 years old) championship, with the Huns Silverbacks winning the final match by forfeit over Old San Antonio. "We'll take it, said Silverbacks captain Dave Weurch as he accepted the Legends trophy." "It's a Huns sweep."

In the Premier Division, the Austin Rugby Club Blacks won the championship by forfeit over the Dallas Reds.

Last Modified: 10/16/03