The Harlequins were invited to play the Wisconsin Collegiate U23/Select-Side at UW-Platteville Mudfest to assist in their preparation for Collegiate LAUs. The one hour kickoff delay appeared to affect the Harlequins as they made frequent passing and handling errors in the first few minutes of play. Even with these mistakes, however, solid defense and stolen possession at breakdowns by the Harlequins kept the U23 players on their heels. The 0-0 deadlock was broken 15 minutes into the match by winger, Romain Vende’. Despite another broken play due to handling errors, Vende’ managed to scoop the ball and get past several defenders with some very elusive sidesteps before touching the ball down under the posts. Inside center, Dominic Kasten, converted to make the score 7-0. The Harlequins continued to threaten the U23 squad, but were frequently stymied by lost possession or handling errors, only some of which were caused by backfield pressure defense . The scoring drought was again ended by Vende’ who managed to touch the ball down just before halftime. Kasten converted and the Harlequins went into the break with a 14-0 lead.
The first 20 minutes of the 2nd half showcased solid defense from both teams. However, the U23 squad showed greater intensity and they were rewarded with try scored created by excellent support and multiple phases of solid rugby 20 minutes into the 2nd half. The try was not converted leaving the score 14-5. The U23 superior fitness allowed them to frequently attack the goalline but the Harlequins were able to hold them at bay with scrappy defense when it counted. In the 71st of the match, the Harlequins were able to regain their 14 point advantage with a solid support try from lock, Rob Jacobs. Kasten could not convert, making the score 19-5 in favor of the Harlequins. Vende’ added to the lead with another unconverted try near the sideline just two minutes later. Vende’ then closed out scoring with the final try at full-time that he converted making the final 31-5 in favor of the Harlequins. Despite the end result, the U23 played well throughout the hard fought match and kept things close until the final 10 minutes.
Scoring Summary:
- 7-0 15:14 Roman Vende’ try, Dominic Kasten converts
- 14-0 37:50 Vende’ try, Kasten converts
- 14-5 59:52 U23 try, unconerted
- 19-5 71:26 Rob Jacobs try, unconverted
- 24-5 73:52 Vende’ try, unconverted
- 31-5 78:58 Vende’ try, Vende converts
Outstanding Players:
- U23 Player of the Match #9 Hemad Fadaifar UW-Millwaukee
- U23 Forward of the Match #8 Ryan Duklas UW-Whitemater
- U23 Back of the Match #15 John O’Hearn UW-Stout
- Harlequin Forward of the Match #8 Jeff Hoffman
- Harlequin Back of the Match #14 Romain Vende’
