Mongrels fall to Rexburg

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Brandon Hutchins from the Mountain Home Mongrels tries to break a tackle on the pitch during the team's battle against the visiting Rexburg squad Saturday afternoon at Eastside Park. Following their recent season opener, the local rugby club continues to face off against teams across southern Idaho through November. Photo by Brian S. Orban

A second half rally gave the Mountain Home Mongrels a 12-point advantage on the pitch but it wasn't enough to keep visiting Rexburg from taking a 42-29 win during Saturday's rugby match at Eastside Park.

"The turning point was the first half. If we had played the first half like we did the second, the outcome would have been much different," said team spokesman Joshua Mann.

Rexburg's experience caught Mountain Home off guard in the first half, Mann said. However, the Mongrels rallied in the second to outscore their opponents 19-5.

The Mongrels are a fairly new team with most of its players joining the local rugby club just three months ago. Despite their limited experience on the pitch, Mann credited break-out players like Jordan Lewis and Peter Logor.

"Their experience and ability to read the field are valuable assets, and Jordan's speed is amazing," Mann said. "However, our strength comes from everyone on the field working as a cohesive unit. Our play makers can make dynamic runs, but if the rest of the team is not there to aid them when they are tackled, then all that was gained can be lost. That's the way rugby works."

Despite the loss, the Mountain Home club credited Rexburg for giving the Mongrels a challenging afternoon.

"It was a great day for rugby against a great opponent," Mann said.

Following its recent season opener, the local rugby club continues to face off against teams across southern Idaho through November. The squad is open to people of all experience levels with the team featuring beginners as well as 20-year veterans.

In addition to battling the competition, the Mongrels continue to set their sights on establishing a high school rugby team in Mountain Home, in order to give students here another sports alternative.