The University of Denver Rugby team celebrated their Homecoming with a hard-fought 21-19 win against Colorado State University’s 2nd side in a thrilling friendly matchup. Going up against a Division 1A opponent, DU knew they had a challenge on their hands, but the team was ready to rise to the occasion in front of the home crowd.

The game was closely contested from start to finish. CSU, known for their physicality and structured play, tested DU’s resilience and defensive discipline throughout the match. DU came out strong, applying early pressure and securing points through solid team execution. Peter Gray led the charge for DU, scoring 11 of the team’s 21 points, showcasing his reliability and precision with the boot.

Despite gaining an early lead, CSU quickly responded, showcasing their offensive power and closing the gap to keep the game tight. As the match progressed, both teams traded blows, with each side pushing for the upper hand. DU’s defense held firm under pressure, making crucial stops and forcing CSU into mistakes.

The turning point came late in the second half when DU capitalized on a crucial CSU error to score the game-winning try. With the successful conversion by Gray, DU took a narrow 21-19 lead and held on until the final whistle.

Head Coach Cody Melphy praised his team’s effort after the game: “It was a tough challenge against a solid CSU side, and I’m proud of the way the boys dug deep and showed resilience today. It wasn’t perfect, but our composure and determination got us the win in front of our home crowd.”

The win was a significant moment for DU Rugby as they celebrated Homecoming with fans, family, and supporters in attendance. DU continues to build on their season with this hard-earned victory, gaining valuable experience and confidence from facing a quality Division 1A opponent.

Final Score:
University of Denver – 21
Colorado State University (2nd Side) – 19

Points Leader:
Peter Gray – 11 points
Zach Billings - 5
Anthony Rice- 5