Guilford’s men’s rugby team continued their unbeaten streak by defeating cross-town rival UNC-Greensboro 28-12. The fighting Quakers, and their eager fans, were hyped to meet their Greensboro competitors after last week’s big league win.

“Last weekend we won against Duke for the first time in club history,” said rugby club president Matt Elverson. “So we had some momentum going into the game.”

The first half started slow but reached its climax near the last 20 minutes. Sophomore David McKindley-Ward scored the game’s first points from a 30-yard penalty kick, roughly 30 minutes into the contest. McKindley-Ward also scored a try a few minutes later by threading through a haze of Spartans, which he followed with a successful two-point conversion.

Not to be outdone, the Spartans replied with a try of their own and a successful conversion. The half closed with the Quakers in the lead, 10-7.

“We went out there not expecting much,” said senior rugby forward Max Kochinke. “It was a messy game because of that.”

The start to the second half was aggravating for both teams, with tensions rising to a startling pitch. After a dead ball, there was nearly a skirmish between the two sides that the referee competently subdued.

“We’ve beat them the last two years, so they were out for blood,” said Elverson. Kochinke agreed, “there were some tempers lost in the match. That’s a problem that we’ve encountered a lot in the past, especially as we win more matches.”

Despite flaring tempers, the match remained relatively drama-free. However, there was an increase in scoring. About 20 minutes after the wrestle, Bryce Bjornson scored a game-shifting try, sprinting from half-field, past hurdling Spartans, and into the try line. The conversion was again completed by McKindley-Ward, increasing the Quakers’ lead.

McKindley-Ward continued his offensive form by scoring another penalty kick for the Quakers. The Spartans responded almost immediately with a try, but failed to complete the conversion.

Unfortunately, for the Spartans, McKindley-Ward was in fine form. In the dwindling minutes of the game, he scored both a penalty kick and another try, but narrowly missed the conversion. McKindley-Ward was the match’s most valuable player, keeping the Quakers perfect record intact and scoring the most points.

“UNCG really brought something to the table,” said senior Hannah Pioli after the game. “But, we pulled it out.”

As the Quakers look forward to playing the second seed – to be announced – from the west division of their league, they boast a historic record for the rugby club. Undefeated! Their decisive win against Duke and the scuffle with the Spartans indicates a willingness and skill to maintain their undefeated record.