MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Principia Thunder Chickens rugby team traveled up to Minneapolis to take on the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in their third Midwest Conference match of the season. After two tight home losses, Principia came in ready to work hard for their first victory.
The Thunder Chickens didn't waste any time as they received the opening kickoff and score on the first possession of the game with a try by
Luigi Furlan. Quick successive scoring runs by
Emmanuel Mazhuhwa and
Tobias Duque gave Principia a three-try advantage just six minutes into the match. The Thunder Chickens never looked back from there as they imposed their will all afternoon and ran wild through the Gopher defense. After another score by Duque,
Charles Luhanga and
Zack Henderson would each take one in for a try as Principia took a commanding 38-7 lead at halftime.
Despite the big lead, Principia continued to play well in the second half as
Alfredo Boly and
Max Leaitua each scored, plus Minnesota conceded a late penalty try. The Gophers scored a couple tries of their own as the match ended with a final score of 57-19 in favor of the Thunder Chickens. Connor Hanlon made five conversion kicks on the day for Principia, with
Dylan George adding one of his own. Captain
Charles Luhanga was named Man of the Match afterwards by Minnesota's coaching staff.
The victory marks a historic feat for the program with it being Principia's first ever win in CRAA Division 1AA. The Thunder Chickens have been improving every match and will look to build off this performance in their final regular season conference match at Iowa State on November 7th.
