Warriors Open Zions Bank Stadium with Big Win

(Photo: Davey Wilson)

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – The Utah Warriors opened the new Zions Bank Stadium with an impressive 80-12 drubbing of the Alberta Wolfpack in front of 3,143 fans. The Warriors were led by Josh and Jared Whippy, originally from Fiji who combined for a total of 36 points. Josh Whippy accounted for 26 points and Jared for 10 points.

However, in the 73rd minute of play, Josh Whippy suffered a compound fracture of his lower left leg. The game was stopped due to the severity of the medical injury and the score of the game at the time.

Speaking of the Josh Whippy’s play and injury, team captain Paul Lasike said,

“I played with Josh at BYU but we hadn’t played in this line-up like this before and our chemistry made a big difference. I am sick to my stomach over his injury, its a devastating loss but we have a team will rally around him.”

The Warriors play overall was substantially improved according to Head Coach Alf Daniels. “We played physical rugby and improved substantially on defense which allowed us to play attack rugby. This team only has three games together but tonight showed the potential we have and are aiming for. The crowd support here is the 16th man on the field for us, I have coached in front of larger crowds in New Zealand but nothing compares to the energy and noise of our fans.”

The Warriors now head to San Diego for their first match in Major League Rugby play. They face the San Diego Legion on Sunday, April 29th, the match will be broadcast on the Cox/AT&T Sports Network starting at 5:00 pm MST.

The next home match for the Warriors is Friday, May 5th at Zions Bank Stadium starting at 7:00 pm.

SCORING SUMMARY:

2′ Josh Whippy w conversion 7-0

13′ Uhila w conversion 14-0

19’Josh Whippy w conversion 21-0

22′ Nata Lauti no conversion 26-0

31′ Matt Jensen w conversion 33-0

36′ Jake Parkinson (Alberta) w conversion 33-7

39′ Alex Tucci, conversion Whippy 40-7

43′ Josh Whippy w conversion 47-7

50′ Saia Chila w conversion 54-7

53′ Adam Bortus (Alberta) 54-12

57′ Josh Whippy w conversion 61-12

60′ Ben Nicholls w conversion 66-12

63′ Jared Whippy, Afu conversion 73-12

71′ Jared Whippy, Afu conversion 80-12