Furman 57 WCU 12

The Furman rugby team defeated Western Carolina 57-12 Saturday to move to 3-0 on the season.

The Paladins started the game sluggishly but managed to build a 23-5 halftime lead. On the game’s opening kick-off in the second half, Paladin scrumhalf Lane Irwin caught the ball and ran unabated to the try zone to quell any hope of Catamount rally.

From that point the Paladins controlled the tempo and coasted to victory. Flanker Nick Rossano, who scored four trys, was named man of the match.  Irwin, playing his first game at scrum-half, played outstanding.

Center Eric Dolan and fly-half Turner Morsches also enjoyed good games.

The Paladins travel to Boone, N.C. Saturday to face Appalachian State in a game that will determine the Mountain Division Champion.