Dexter Devils Rugby Team Defeats Birmingham, 43-0

Submitted by Paul Burke

Following a great start to the season with , Dexter defeated Birmingham 43-0 this week.

Coach Paul Burke said in preparation for the game, Dexter scouted the opposition, who has one of the strongest programs in Michigan.

“We were very keen to keep the momentum and a win against Birmingham would probably clinch us a Division 1 state playoff spot, so we prepared well," Burke said. "As it turned out, our preparations paid off more than we could ever imagine. Our plan was to move the ball fast; we moved it so fast that Alex Mortensen was over the opponent's line to score a try (touchdown) in the first minute."

Dexter continued to dominate the field, with its forwards taking control and rarely giving the ball up to the opposition.

"The forward dominance paid off in the eighth minute, when senior Chase Galloway went over the line for his first 'A' side try," Burke said. "The pressure continued with sophomore Gordon Makin doing an excellent job clearing the ball away from the breakdown of play and getting it to the backs (team members who pass the ball forward)."

Jacob VanHoof received the ball on the wing and slipped down the sideline to score. Max Vestergaard scored the extra points to bring the score to 21-0, with 20 minutes in the frame.

Dexter continued to pound Birmingham and won a scrum close to the Birmingham try line. Spencer Flannery of Grass Lake picked up the ball from the base of the scrum and powered over the line for another Dexter score. Three minutes later, Dexter won a ball from another scrum just inside the Birmingham half, and senior Jeff Baldus executed a quick pass to Tony Shiguango, who caught the ball and muscled his way over the Birmingham line to score.

Jacob VanHoof scored two more tries for Dexter, ending the first half of the match at 43-0.

During the second half, Dexter lost its momentum and allowed Birmingham possession for the rest of the game.

"Ryan Calhoun had a tremendous first half and was replaced by Joey Racine, who hooked equally impressively," Burke said. "Sean Chamberlin played like a beast, as did his replacement, Anthony Bell. Sophomore Jack Donevan and Evan Leonard held up the defense in the second half. Ryan Kimball had a rare run out in the backs (he is usually a forward), and his defensive play was brilliant, more than once ripping the ball from the attacking player to come away and run a counterattack.

"Josh Boren and Tom Nafziger of Whitmore Lake gave strength to the team in the second row. Senior Peter Brundage made a number of huge tackles that went a long way to keep Birmingham shut out."

Dexter B Team

The Dexter Devils "B" team defeated Lakeview 50-0 on Friday.

"Dexter had another great game with excellent offense and defense," Burke said. "Alex Mortensen managed five tries, with others coming from Josh Boren and Gordon Makin. Some great positives from the game were the fact that Dexter shut out another team and kept their focus throughout a lopsided game."

The “B” team will go up against Troy at home on Wednesday and face Brighton on Thursday. On Friday, Dexter travels to Elkhart, Ind. to play in the Midwest Youth Rugby Championship.