Fans braved the cold weather as the Auburn rugby club team took the ice-laden intramural field Sunday to battle Alabama in the Rugby Iron Bowl.
The game ended in a muddy draw with both teams scoring five points.
In the first 40-minute half, Auburn junior Joey Palazzolo scored a try.
A try is similar to a touchdown in football, but the ball carrier has to place the ball on the ground after crossing the goal line.
Alabama matched the score in the second half.
Sophomore Cullen Hanly suffered the only injury of the game, a broken finger, but was back on the field after a quick wrap.
"We haven't had an Iron Bowl game in the four years I've been playing," said senior Michael Gay. "We've played them in tournaments, but never one-on-one at home."
Michael said this game was an intense one because the draw could qualify them for post season tournaments.
Assistant coach Brian Rhett said this was the first time in three years the teams played, with Alabama winning the last meeting.
The team prepared for the match by practicing two days a week and members' independent exercise.
The Rugby Little Sisters got the word out about the game using methods such as Facebook groups and emails which resulted in a "really good turnout," said junior Zoey Gay.
"Because we're a club team, it's the officer's responsibility to keep the team on the right track," said Michael, the team's treasurer. "We encourage our players to maintain a workout plan. They need
to be in good shape to play in the match."
Sophomore Chris Vellon was there to cheer on the Tigers Saturday and said he has followed rugby for four or five years.
"The Auburn team has a really good reputation," Vellon said. "My brother used to play for South Carolina, and Auburn was a tough team."
The Rugby Little Sisters helped the team stay energized by bringing gallon jugs of water and snacks.
The rookies were responsible for running the water jugs from the sidelines to the field, so the players stayed hydrated during the game.
In rugby, only five substitutes are allowed during the game, so they must keep the main players in top condition, Rhett said.
"When talking about players who stick out, a few come to my mind," Rhett said. "Daniel Gancalves, Aaron Zeanah and
Jake Holtrop all get a lot of play."
Vellon said the intensity and continuous play of the game keeps him interested.
"There's no real stopping," Vellon said. "You can only tackle someone with the ball, so it's different than any other sport."
Sophomore Helena Stover said she enjoyed coming to the game and learning what's going on in the game.
She said the rugby players do not know who their Little Sister is and she is excited for revelation which is set for next week.
"I don't think rugby gets enough recognition at Auburn," said Zoey, who serves as the Little Sister's vice president.
She said the Rugby Little Sisters plan to travel to some away matches this year to cheer on the team.
The next rugby match will be at home against Georgia, Feb. 13.
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