GOLDEN, Colo. — Mines Men's Rugby continued its preparations for the upcoming season Saturday, Sept. 5, with a high-scoring intrasquad scrimmage at IM North, as Blue edged White 47–40 in a competitive afternoon on the pitch.

Both sides brought intensity from the opening whistle, refusing to hold back despite facing their own teammates. The result was an entertaining, back-and-forth contest that gave the Orediggers another valuable opportunity to build match fitness, test combinations and shake off the remaining rust of the offseason.

White was led by Jack Thome, who powered his way to two heavy-running tries. Thome's physical carries helped keep White within striking distance throughout the contest as the two sides traded scores.

Blue answered with a pair of tries from Jake Bossinger, who made his first appearance for the Orediggers. Bossinger's two-try performance provided an immediate impact as he helped Blue ultimately secure the seven-point victory.

Up front, Michael Crone turned in a dominant performance at prop for Blue, providing a strong presence in the pack as the Blue forwards battled throughout the scrimmage.

For the newest members of the team, the match offered valuable experience in a live game environment, while returning players had an opportunity to get back into the rhythm and physicality of rugby after the offseason. With both sides competing at a high level, the scrimmage provided a useful test as Mines continues to develop its depth and combinations ahead of the regular season.

The 47–40 finish was secondary to the larger goal of the afternoon: getting the entire squad meaningful time on the pitch and continuing to build toward the season ahead. With each preseason session, the Orediggers are becoming more comfortable as a unit and more prepared for the competition to come.

On to the next.