In front of a large crowd in downtown Fredericksburg UMW jumped out to an early lead on JMU to win 81-0 and end the season 7-0 in what may be the nations most competitive d1AA conference. Out several regulars for niggling injuries, UMW’s reserves made a statement.

The highlight of the day was UMW’s passing (only knocking on twice before scoring 35 points), Aidan Gallagher’s first half kicking as he slotted 5 from 7 from some crazy angles, and of course Tamilore Awonusi’s 7 try’s – which is a conference and UMW record. In general, Awonusi scored almost every time he touched the ball with a few feet of space – first from wing and later in the game at fullback.

JMU is not an easy team to play and UMW came out on fire behind fly-half Michael Sacks cross kicks and steady line speed by UMW’s entire team. The game was 28-0 behind 4 UMW converted try’s before most of the large crowd could get settled in.

In the second half UMW used all their subs and rotated Awonusi back to fullback yet the 6’6” back showed the pace he has become known for again and again, centering most try’s as needed.

Let’s allow UMW to celebrate for 10 minutes before playoffs next week. Over the last 2 years the team has gone 15-0 in conference play, earning a bonus point try in every game. This year, freshman wing Awonusi and freshman flanker Joseph Callery have led the league in try’s while sophomore fullback Bradlee Nicholls and junior scrumhalf Harry Masters are also in the top 5 in the league.

The CCRC is an extremely competitive conference and there truly are no easy games. JMU should be commended on how well they traveled, easily bringing 50 fans. Congratulations to UMW’s players, coaches and administrators. Final league standings can be found here: http://www.ccrugby.org/Fall2018.html

Next week UMW travels to East Carolina to face dangerous Westchester University at 3pm on Saturday. The winner plays the winner of Univ of Kentucky vs Bowling Green on Sunday for the right to play in the national final in Charlotte a few weeks later.