NEWARK, NJ—The NJIT Club Rugby team won a victory and a bonus point over their biggest rivals Montclair State, 35-22, Sunday afternoon on Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
The match ended in favor of the Highlanders with tries coming from
Trevor Panciello,
Dino Panagos, and Nicholas Morris, who also kicked three conversions and three penalties.
NJIT took the early lead with some slippery running from inside center
Trevor Panciello. Montclair State retaliated with some pressure up the middle of the field. A fast paced backs move put Panagos in the corner but Montclair State was able to take advantage of a loose ball at a lineout for an easy try.
Two penalties from Nick Morris saw the score come to 18-12 for NJIT at half time.
In the second half, Panciello again showed his speed to capitalize on a turnover won due to a big tackle by
Ishmael Samuel a steal from
Dylan Ramistella.
Montclair State had the better of the rest of the match but was unable to break NJIT's defense and capitalize on lots of possession and good field position.
The Highlanders were also able to stay out of reach with another penalty and a great piece of individual skill from Nick Morris who recovered his own kick right on the try line.
NJIT leads the points table with two bonus point wins from two matches so far. A bonus point is given to any team who scores at least four tries in a match or trails by less than 7 points at full time.
Point scorers:
Trevor Panciello: 10 points, 2 tries
Dino Panagos: 5 points, 1 try
Nick Morris (kicker): 20 points, 1 try, 3 conversions, 3 penalties
Recap courtesy NJIT Club Rugby Program
