Senior Patrick Brou bounces off a Sharc defender. (photo by Hudson Ellis)

The Blue Jay ruggers came away with an impressive win over Shreveport on Saturday, March 18, in Gretna. Missing several key starters made no difference as the senior-laden team stepped up and came ready to play. With the win, the Jays improved to 6-1 on the season.

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It only took nine minutes for the Jays to get on the board as senior Jack Gab took off on a long run into Shreveport’s territory. After a penalty, senior Josh Cashio threaded the needle on a crisp pass to senior Nate Beech, who then took it in from 25 meters out for a try. After a good conversion, Beech struck again six minutes later as the Jays stretched the field and pitched it out for a 15-meter jaunt for another try. With another good conversion, the Jays found themselves up 14-0 not even halfway through the first half.

Coming off a quick tap, Cashio found a wide-open Patrick Brou, and the senior weaved his way through the defense to take it in from 20 meters out for the try. Though the conversion was no good, Jesuit was up at the half, 19-0.

The second half opened quite the opposite, as Shreveport took a restart kick and ran it all the way back for the try. That conversion was no good, but the ensuing kick to Shreveport almost yielded the same result; luckily, they were stopped at the 5-meter line and turned the ball over.

For a moment, it looked like the Jays were still in halftime mode. However, they then methodically drove down the pitch and into position for a penalty kick from 30 meters to increase the lead, 22-5. On the next possession, junior Matthew Palmer took off toward Shreveport’s try line, but was stopped just short. After a tough ruck, Cashio took it in for a try and the conversion was good.

Shreveport hung tough and took their next possession in for a try on an impressive 50-meter run, but the conversion was no good. Shreveport made several more attempts, but had a few turnovers as they entered the try zone, failing to score. Palmer finished off the scoring, crossing the try line again with time running out. The conversion was no good, but the Jays sealed the victory at 34-10.

Shreveport awarded Beech man-of-the-match for his tough long runs.

Up next, the Jays take on Brother Martin this Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m. on the Marconi Pitch.