GOLDEN, Colo. — Mines Men's Rugby earned a hard-fought 34–19 victory over the University of Denver Saturday at IM North, battling through a physical rivalry matchup and turning in a strong performance from the forward pack.
Denver controlled possession early and quickly found the try zone to take an early lead with a converted try. Mines answered after several phases of sustained possession, with Dempsey Brinkman scoring out of a scrum on an eight-man pick from around the 5-meter line. Will Skaar converted to put the Orediggers on the board.
Mines continued to build pressure through its scrum, and after another strong set piece, Nathaniel Oehler scored on a clean pick-and-go to push the Orediggers in front.
Denver later entered the lineout channel early, and after several swing passes, another penalty gave Mines an opportunity to add to its advantage. Skaar calmly converted the penalty kick to extend the lead.
The Orediggers continued to control possession from the restart and again found success through the scrum. After a quick pass out to the backs, Bryce Roder finished the attack with a try on the line, with Skaar adding the conversion to send Mines into halftime with a 22–7 advantage.
Denver responded quickly after the break, scoring a breakaway try and conversion to cut into the Mines lead. The second half then settled into a physical battle.
Mines' defense answered the challenge as Denver worked its way toward the 5-meter line. The Orediggers held firm and kept Denver out of the try zone, turning the defensive stand into an opportunity to attack the other direction.
That stop sparked a major counterattack, with Brinkman breaking loose to set up a long run from Ducky Pavlides, who finished the movement with a try. Skaar converted to extend the Mines advantage.
After a Denver offside penalty, Nathaniel Brazen powered through defenders and into the try zone for another Mines score. Skaar's final conversion brought the Orediggers to their final total of 34 points.
Denver added a late try following another extended battle near the try zone, but Mines held on to secure the 34–19 victory.
The win was a complete team effort, with the Orediggers' forward pack setting the tone throughout the match. Mines consistently found success in the scrums, while the defense showed its resilience by holding Denver out during a critical second-half attacking sequence.
It was a strong day for Mines and a hard-earned victory in one of the team's biggest rivalry matches.
On to the next.
