At the opening whistle the Aztecs took control of the match and forced their way deep inside ASU’s territory. Repeated attacks eventually saw Duncan Kelm crash over for the Aztecs to take 5-0 lead minutes in.  Again the Aztecs were quickly back in ASU territory, but 2 quick penalties against SDSU saw ASU kick their way down to the Aztec line and quickly Maul over a line out drive to tie the game.  The rest of the half was a see-saw affair with both teams showing attacking prowess and stingy defense.  With minutes remaining in the half a set piece break up the middle by ASU saw quick second phase ball with which they used to score and the score at half time was 10-5 ASU.

Despite gaining the wind advantage in the second half, it started poorly for the Aztecs, mishandling a kickoff to all ASU into their half.  ASU would again use good line out ball for a dynamic first phase strike in the Aztecs midfield, and once again, quickly recycled ball led to converted try to bring the score to 17-5 ASU only minutes into the second half.  The rest of the second half was all Aztecs with a majority of the game played inside ASU’s 22.   Despite the territorial domination, the Aztecs could not find their way over the ASU line.  The Aztecs were help up in goal once, but it was primarily an assortment of Aztec knock-ons, ASU penalties, and stingy ASU defense that continually repelled them from coming away with points.  Finally in the 68th minute, Alex Ross crossed in the corner to bring the game to within one score 17-10.  Despite a valiant final effort, the Aztecs could find their way over the line again.  Arkansas State advances to the Final Four with a match up against BYU, the other semi-final sees Army taking on Cal.  Both games will be held at Stanford University on April 30 and May 1st.

Despite the tough loss and end to the season, Aztec coach Matt Sherman was extremely proud of the team and their effort, ‘Why we are disappointed to lose and have our season come to an end, I am very proud of this team.  They are are a very committed and close group that works hard for each other.  They can be proud of themselves, not only in today’s losing effort to quality opposition, but also in the effort and commitment they gave to each other and the team throughout the year.  We were a few breaks away from having things go our way today, and while they didn’t, that doesn’t change how hard they’ve worked and improved as a team.’  

The Aztecs season concludes with a 10-3 record, the other losses belonging to defending National Champion BYU and perennial National Champion Cal Berkeley. The Aztecs dominated the Southern California Conference with a 8-0 record.  This was their 4th consecutive conference title, and 4th consecutive trip to the post-season playoffs.  The 2010 season in particular see’s the graduation of may influential seniors that have resurrected a program over their time at San Diego State. Coach Matt Sherman notes how important this group has been, ‘One of the most saddening parts of the conclusion of this year, is it means that this was the final game for our Seniors in Aztec colors.  This group in particular has been special, and has carried the Aztec Rugby program with pride during their entire career here, and drove the program forward with great passion and commitment.   They will be sorely missed and tough to replace, but the challenge will now be for the up and coming generations to fill the void and not only to pick up where they left off, but to continue to build and develop a program that’s worked incredibly hard and made considerable improvements under this years seniors leadership.’  

The Aztecs would like to thank all their family, friend, alumni and fans for their support throughout the 2010 season.

Arkansas State 17-SDSU 10

Min 4: SDSU Try (D. Kelm)
Min 8: ASU Try
Min 36: ASU Try

Half: ASU 10, SDSU 5

Min 43: ASU Try and Conversion
Min 68: SDSU Try (Ross)

Final: ASU 17, SDSU 10

 1 Brenden Purcell ; 2 James Deleo; 3 Darrell Honaker 4 Alex Main; 5 Anton Mironov; 6 Dave Buboltz; 7 Mike Shea; 8 Tanner Kouba; 9 Jamie  Purcell (Captain); 10  Ryan O’Connor; 11 Chris Bredeson; 12 Jamie Kelm; 13 Duncan Kelm; 14 Mike Hicks; 15 Alex Ross; 16 Morgan Gagel;17 Zach Shapiro; 18 Scott Brown; 19 Andrew Hinkel; 20 Derrick Broussard; 21 Austin Freman;  22 Conner Reed; 23 Dale Turori