March 28, 2024

Newton rugby rings up two more wins

LACONA — Joseph Banfield scored four times and Jake Smith had three tries as Newton’s club rugby Cardinals won two games Friday in Iowa Youth Rugby Association action. Both games were played at a IYRA tournament hosted by Southeast Warren.

The Cardinals dominated in a 42-7 win over Clarke. They scored half as many points against Winterset, but still had the game in hand, winning 28-7.

“The guys are starting to figure things out and are playing together as a team much better.  Our tackling was pretty solid again on Friday,” said Newton rugby co-coach Bill Reed. “We have a couple pretty tough games this coming Friday and will need to improve our rucking at practice.”

Newton’s scoring started with Zakk Weatherly scoring his first rugby try at the 4:51 mark of the first half against Clarke. Banfield and Smith scored two unanswered tries to put the Cardinals up 21-0. Clarke scored as time ran out in the opening half, trailing Newton 21-7 at the break.

It was all Newton in the second half. Banfield, Smith and Jake Huizenga scored tries for the Cardinals.

Reed said Winterset was a big team that controlled the ball for much of the first half. Huizenga made it across the scoring line three minutes into the first half. Banfield made it 14-0 by halftime with a try with about 1:30 remaining.

Banfield took the second-half kickoff, weaved his way through the Winterset defense to score his fourth overall try of the night. The Cardinals led 21-7 when Smith scored again for the final margin.

Newton (5-1) travel to Pleasant Hill this Friday to face Des Moines Lincoln and Adel-DeSoto-Minburn hosted by Southeast Polk. The Cardinals play at home May 2.