By Zachary Webb | 09.20.17

The Cleveland Crusaders Rugby Football Club recorded their first win of the season and righted their course for staying in the playoff hunt with a 39-20 win over the Indianapolis Impalas. The game was held last Saturday at St. Ignatius’s Wasmer Field, in the heart of Ohio City, and a stone’s throw from Social Partner to the Club, The Old Angle Tavern.

At 75° and sunny, the turf was thoroughly heated and ready for some fast paced action. The opening 20 minutes was a back and forth affair until the Crusaders were able to put some serious pressure on. Dontez Smith, on a long break, broke an attempted high tackle when he sidestepped a second defender, resulting in a collision that shed both Indianapolis defenders. Smith was eventually brought down and a second Cleveland player was high tackled on the goal line, which led to a penalty try. Then, minutes before the half closed, mauler Joe Brown went in for a solo try off a penalty tap to put the Crusaders up solidly 29-20.

After two less than stellar second halves in their previous matches this season, the Crusaders were determined to not let their momentum slip. Indianapolis fought to work their way back into the game with hard running from the second rows and loose forwards, as well as precision kicking from their fullback. However Cleveland’s defense would not break, and the Impalas could not find an answer for fullback David “Frenchie” DiFrancesco’s elusive running, as he recorded two score on the day. The foot of Nick Viviani slotted two penalty kicks and was good for three of four conversions as the Crusaders went on to win in strong fashion.

This Saturday the Crusaders look to improve their record again as the take on the Rochester Aardvarks, 2:00 at Edgewater Park.