PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Rugby Football Club debuted in the newly formed Division 1 North Atlantic Rugby Conference with a victory over longtime rival Amoskeag Rugby Club of Manchester, New Hampshire, 46-10 Saturday.
“We’ve picked up some exciting players this season, including recent college grads, some seasoned international players, and others who are new to southern Maine,” team captain Colin Talbot said in a news release. “Additionally, we have an experienced core of returning players that helped to ensure a Portland RFC victory.”
One of the new international recruits includes center Gareth Roberts of Bridlington, England. He scored two tries in his first match with Portland. Portland RFC led 34-10 at halftime.
“After the first 10 or 15 minutes we really dominated possession for the rest of the match,” Talbot added.
The second half resulted in Portland RFC adding 10 more points and keeping Amoskeag at bay the entire time, despite a high penalty count on both sides.
Portland RFC is on the road Saturday and faces off against Mystic River Rugby Club in Malden, Massachusetts. Mystic recently merged with the Middlesex Barbarians.
“This upcoming match will be a real test for the club,” Talbot said, “but we’re feeling confident Division 1 is where Portland RFC belongs.”