The Potomac Exiles hosted NOVA in a battle of two clubs heading in opposite directions. While NOVA has lost 16 straight matches, the Potomac Exiles have barely scratched the surface of their potential, as they adjust to new teammates and a new game plan.
The hosts got the scoring started just minutes into the game, as scrum half Matt Quigley converted a penalty kick for the 3-0 lead. After numerous Exiles’ mistakes, NOVA responded with a try in the corner, showing Potomac they would have to work for this one, as the visitors soon went up 8-3 off of a penalty kick.
Captain Ben Wiedemer dotted down the Exiles’ first try of the game, barreling through numerous NOVA defenders to give the hosts a the lead. NOVA would convert a penalty kick, however, to jump back in front, but it wasn’t long before Prop Jason Vanterpool score to put Potomac in front, 15-8 at the half.
Eight-man Alex Diegel scored minutes into the second half to give the hosts a comfortable lead before they opened up the floodgates. WInger and Man of the Match Aki Raymond had an electrifying 80+ meter try out of the Exiles’ try zone, eventurally running out of gas and dishing to J’Son Townes for a 27-8 lead.
NOVA would get back within 27-13, but Potomac slammed the door shut with three tries in ten minutes, two from Raymond and one from prop Paul Gabriel to finish the scoring, 42-13.
Next up was the Killer Bs, who took on D2 Washington Irish’s A-Side. After leading for most of the game, the Exiles surrendered the lead with just minutes to spare. However, they cooly and calmly marched down the field to go in front and win the game highlighted by punishing runs from props Robert Garvis and Delonte, 27-24.
In a full day of rugby, the Exiles’ third side was infused by young talent from local Montgomery County College. Potomac defeated the Irish’s second side to make it a clean sweep for the Potomac Exiles!
Man of the Match: Raymond (A) Rob Newcomb (B) Ballah Boakai (C)