By Scott Michaelis | 11.18.18

Cleveland Crusaders DII 23 – 10 Wisconsin Rugby

Selections:

Backs:
15) Nick Musarra 14) Steve Burke 13) Bill Regan 12) Dom Mauer 11) Steve Fritsch 10) Nick Viviani 9) Andrew Little

Forwards:
8) Doug Rawlings 7) Preston Lowden 6) Zach Webb 5) Spencer Duncan 4) Justin Rutledge 3) Joe Brown 2) Mark Viviani 1) Tom Nemeth Reserves: 16) Michael Ciccolini 17) Joe Wollerman 18) Evert Chambers 19) Dominic Matteo 20) Justin Isaacs 21) Terry Kilbane 22) Danny Bruce 23) Derek Imes

Tries: Brown, Lowden, Rutledge, Fritsch
Conversions: —
Penalty Kicks: N. Viviani (1)

The Crusaders traveled to Chicago to take on Wisconsin Rugby for the Midwest crown. A cold and snowy day set the stage for a physical, defensive battle. This held true in the first half. The Crusaders opened up the scoring with a Nick Viviani penalty kick to put the Crusaders up 3-0. Wisconsin answered back, scoring a try and taking a 5-3 lead into the half. The Crusaders stepped up the pressure in the second half. Preston Lowden set up Joe Brown for a quick try to start the half to take an 8-5 lead. The Crusaders kept the offensive and Defensive pressure up with a breakaway try by Preston Lowden and a score on a charge down by Justin Rutledge. Steve Fritsch ended the game with a long try to put the final score at 23-10, bringing The Midwest championship home to Cleveland. After some time to celebrate the club’s first Midwest Championship, the club will start preparations for the ultimate goal, a national championship.