Denver Barbarians dropped their Western Rugby Football Union Division 1 match to Denver Highlanders, Sunday, March 14, 2010, 36-14. 

The Barbarians dropped to 3-3 in the league race.  The Highlanders improved their record to 2-4 in the league, with both wins coming at the expense of the Barbarians.  

On a cold and wet day at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, before a dedicated crowd supporting both clubs, the Highlanders played field possession rugby and waited for their opportunities.  The Barbarians complied with an infraction at 1 minute, which was converted with a penalty kick.  Highlanders 3, Barbarians 0.

The Barbarians followed their Rugby Super League side’s example by being their own worst enemy, with mishandles and mental lapses.  This pattern by the Barbarians resulted in problems maintaining possession of the ball, placing their defense under unnecessary pressure, and giving the Highlanders’ efficient goal kicker opportunities that he converted for 5 penalty goals.  The Highlanders methodically and unspectacularly notched up 2 more penalty kicks and a converted try to take a 16-0 halftime lead.

It didn’t get better for the Barbarians until half of the 2nd half was over.  At 43 and 54 minutes, the Highlanders got a converted tries.  At 60 minutes, the Highlanders stroked another penalty goal.  Highlanders 33, Barbarians 0.

At 62 minutes the Barbarians got on the scoreboard with a try from prop Mike Pisney which was converted by replacement flyhalf Mike Hughes.

At 68 minutes Chris Conway was rewarded for his aggressive play when he crashed into the end zone with a try.  Hughes converted again.

The Barbarians pressed for the remainder of the match as the Highlander fitness seemed to be flagging, but they could not capitalize on their opportunities.  It was left for the Highlanders to punish yet another Barbarian infraction for the final points via a penalty goal.  Final score:  Highlanders 36, Barbarians 14.

The Highlanders were deserving winners who played to a pattern, minimized their mistakes in difficult weather conditions, and were dominate in the lineout.  

DENVER BARBARIANS:  1. Mike Pisney 2. Tim Miller 3. Paul Mumford 4. Ben Schnake 5. Chris Lieser (Kevin Boyer at 45 minutes) 6. Rob O'Connor (Phillips at 25 minutes and Chris Conway at 65 minutes) 7. Zach Wurth 8. Andrew Redfern (Robin Kiska at 55 minutes) 9. Drew Legge 10. Matt Lancaster (Hughes at 25 minutes) 11. Ben Haapapuro 12. Scott Callahan 13. Jake McCormick  (Garnick at 65 minutes)  14. Adam Fisher  (Darrin Butler at 55 minutes) 15. Ross Kantor.

Replacements:  Michael Hughes, Tim Phillips, Kevin Boyer, Robin Kiska, Darrin Butler, Chris Conway, Thomas Garnick.

Head Coach:  John Kenney
 
Scoring:  14

Tries:  Pisney, Conway
Penalties:  None
Conversions:  Hughes 2

DENVER HIGHLANDERS:  Line-up not available.

Head Coach:  Steve Lewis

Scoring:  36

Tries:  5
Penalties:  5
Conversions:  2