The Buffaloes opened league play this weekend, making it clear they want another shot at the title. Facing strong opposition from Portland's ORSU, the Buffaloes quick ball and faster feet secured the 43-19 win for a home crowd at Rainier Vista Park, in Lacey, WA.
The men set the tone early on, takling hard and rucking well. The scoring started early, with center Matt Beagle crossing the line to add 5 in the first five minutes. Play was back and forth in the first half, with the Buffaloes speed matched only by their intensity. At about 15 minutes, Beagle was sent off the pitch, but the Buffaloes earned the penalty at their own 40 meters. Center Ryan Cole stepped up to sail the ball 60 meters through the uprights for another 3 points. By the end of the half, the score was Buffaloes 15 - 5 ORSU, with Derek Riffe complimenting the score with another try converted by Cole.
The excitement didn't stop in the second half. Immediately after kickoff, 8-man Taylor Briscoe broke through the line and with blazing speed, scored Budd Bay's third try of the day. With strong support from the forwards, the team kept marching into ORSUs red zone. ORSU fought back and was rewarded with a try in the 65th minute, but not before Ryan Cole's dive across the line under the posts and another long run by Briscoe netted Budd Bay another 10 points. ORSU kept at it, forcing the Buffaloes back a few more times and threatening to score. Budd By broke through again, with Briscoe scoring another 5 on a 40m run down the sideline. Cole converted all 4 tries in the second half, adding 8 points for the Buffaloes.
Not giving up at any moment, ORSU kept challenging the men to the final buzzer. Some quick ball in the back to the outside brought ORSU to the Buffaloes line. After a few strong stands by the Buffalo defense, ORSU was able to sneak a final converted try at the 80 minute mark.
"The Buffaloes are building the road to the playoffs one brick at a time, and today they mortared that first brick. These guys are coming together well and their performance today sets the pace for the season" says head coach Jerry Quirke, earning his first league victory as coach of the Buffaloes.
Stay tuned for more Buffalo news after they take on Portland RFC next weekend in Portland.
Budd Bay 43
ORSU 19
Tries: Beagle, Riffe, Briscoe x 3, Cole
Penalty Kicks: Cole
Conversions: Cole x5
