Kutztown University were most impressive Saturday in defeating the University of Delaware 59-5 at the home field of the Blue Hens.

The Golden Bears set the tone early, marching down the field and scoring within four minutes – center Bob Stortz touching down for the first of his three tries on the day.

KU scored 11 all told, with the backline repeatedly punishing the Blues Hens and scoring seven, with Gareth Lourens, Andrew Stinson, Andrew Abt and Devon Somma adding one each to the three from Stortz. A solid Golden Bear pack effort was led by captain Jamie Gregory, and Zack French, Matt Frederick, Zack Jessell and Cap Huizenga all scored.

The score could have been higher, but Kutztown’s kicking game struggled and they managed only two conversions.

Delaware was able to capitalize on a Kutztown miscue in front of their own goal line, when fly-half, Mitch Vannoy picked off a batted pass and scampered in for a long-range try.

That was as close as Delaware would get to the goal line throughout the game. Kutztown forced the Blue Hens to play an exhausting defensive game that found them constantly on their heels.

KU Head Coach Gregg Jones said his team played disciplined rugby and kept to their game plan.

“Mike Lawrenson and Caleb Tracey were instrumental at second row and Matt Frederick and Wesley Hartman had outstanding performances in the back row,” Jones said.

Center Gareth Lourens had several long breakaway runs, while Tim Acker directed the attack well from his position at fullback.

Next week, Kutztown will host Army, which lost 34-31 to the NYAC men’s club this weekend.

Kutztown is feeling confident, and well they might after Saturday’s result.

“I’m really optimistic as long as the injury bug stays away,” Jones told RUGBYMag.com. “We’re happy to have Tim Acker back at 100%, and we’ve moved Rob Stortz to outside center and that is going to work well.”

No. 8 Wes Hartman and scrumhalf Niku Kruger are two South Africans who have been making an impact, also. Hartman is a freshman.

After Army, Kutztown will face the Schuylkill River men’s club, Penn State, and then Davenport University.

“It’s not a lot of games, but they’re good quality games,” said Jones. “We feel good about it. We’ve got a really nice set of seniors and we’re looking to make a run and challenge people.”