The Rocky Mountain Conference got a bit of a shakeup as Western State defeated defending conference champs Colorado School of Mines 34-28 Saturday.

It was a very physical game and Western State matched Mines well in the first half. The two teams traded tries before WSU scored midway through the first half and then right before the break to make it 19-7 at halftime.

WSU added to the lead in the second half and seemed to take control 24-7. But Mines replied with two tries from center Jason Lee to close the gap to 29-21 - the tries made it three in total for Lee on the day. Western State scored one more and while Mines got their fourth try through flyhalf Jacob DeHaai (who was 4-4 on conversions and scored 13 points) to close to within six.

WSU flyhalf Blayze LiiLii was outstanding, running well and controlling the attack. With a solid effort from the forwards, scrumhalf Taylor Egloff, playing his first game at scrumhalf, had some space and time to work the pattern. Flanker Nate Ferguson was solid for Western State, as well.

No. 8 Greyson Lincoln was a powerful presence running with the ball and scored three tries. However, he received a card late in the game, forcing WSU to hold on without him.

“We controlled the ball well,” said flanker and team officer Ryan Johnson. “We practiced all week on being able to hold down those rucks because Mines contests the rucks so well. We did really well controlling the ball and keeping the pace of the game high.”

Johnson said Western State has some high expectations, as they return a large chunk of their 2015-16 team, including nine seniors who have been playing together as a group for some time.

But, he added, “we were a little nervous because Mines has had our number,” said Johnson. “I think the last time we beat them was ten years ago. But we feel really good about our team.”

“Western was very tough at the breakdown, poaching Mines ball on many occasions,” said Mines Coach Alex Eves. “Western was also very good in the scrum, applying heavy pressure early on in the game. Western outplayed Mines and wanted it more, they deserved the hard fought win.”

Mines was down three starters due to injury, but several, especially Lee (who moved from No. 8 to center) stepped up.

Prop Ty Schroeder, hooker Bart Starich battled well for Mines up front, while in the backs scrumhalf Josh Urbonas and wing Brennen Burke also had good games.

Fullback Jack Martin-Linsley put in a solid day at the office despite injury.

Eves said he is glad to see more competition in the Rocky Mountain. 

“Mines played Western twice last season in conference; they were our toughest games all year,” said Eves. “Western was every bit as good and physical as the teams Mines played in the playoffs. - Winona State, Lindenwood-Belleville, Grand Valley State. We think the new-look Rocky Mountain Conference will make sure the top teams are battle proven.”