BYU rugby: Club throttles Colorado to advance to finals
The victory sets up another finals matchup today with Cal — the third straight year the teams have played for the title. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Mountain time.
Despite the Buffaloes' offensive firepower, BYU's handling of Colorado's potent offense was the key. Maximo DeAchaval accounted for all of the Buffaloes' offense in kicking over two drop goals — the same type of kick that Doug Flutie once kicked for the New England Patriots during an extra-point attempt — and added a try from a grubber kick that bounced right back in his hands in the second half.
Derek Smith put down his first try in the opening minutes, with DeAchaval scoring three with one of his drop goals after that. That cycle repeated itself when Smith scored his second try and DeAchaval once again set himself up for another drop goal to cut BYU's lead to 10-6.
Before DeAchaval's second kick, though, Colorado muffed a chance to tie the match. DeAchaval kicked the ball downfield and the Buffaloes outnumbered the Cougars five meters out from the line. BYU's defense rushed back and eventually spoiled the play.
The Cougars ran some subs in the second half, but kept in most of their scorers. Smith added two more scored and Paul ran in his second try.
Colorado winger Tim Curtis penetrated BYU's defense late. Once again, though, poor handling cost the Buffaloes as Curtis coughed the ball up amidst several BYU defenders.
Saturday's finals will be streamed live for free at www.usarugby.org.
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