East HS defeated Colorado Springs 25-22 Thursday night in Rugby Colorado league action, and it was a nice cap off to a successful week for the East team.

The East squad toured New Mexico this past week. The team travel to Albuquerque where they began with their traditional tour-opening activity of a Goals Banquet, where each player stated his personal and team goals.

On Saturday East played in New Mexico's "Rugby Saturday USA" event at Balloon Fiesta park. Despite an injury to coach Josh Tafoya, East's U15 side defeated the Albuquerque Youth Rugby Select U15s 43-12. East's B side lost a tough game to the Albuquerque Eagles 21-0. East's A side jumped out to an early lead over defending state champs La Cueva and won going away 48-12. Man of the match was Holden Kjerland-Nicoletti, who scored three tries for the Angels.

On Sunday, East traveled to St Pius X for the second day of matches. East's U15 side continued their winning ways with a 61-0 defeat of the Rio Rancho U15s. In perhaps the most entertaining match of the tour, East's B side scored on the last play to draw 27-27 with hosts St Pius X in a game that saw with five lead changes. The final match saw East's A side take on Rio Rancho. East again started fast, with a try six minutes in, but Rio Rancho would respond minutes later with a well-read intercept try. Led by strong work at the tackle and breakdown by man of the match Kilauea Tora, East retook the lead and closed out the match with a 45-19 victory. 

The tour closed with our achievements banquet where every player once again stood up and reflected on their goals, success and challenges. Senior Adam Leonard was chosen as player of the tour for his leadership on and off the pitch. Max Cohen, Willy Cowperthwaite, and Grant Pullen were recognized as outstanding players for their respective sides. Steve Cohen was chosen as parent of the tour for his continued support of East Rugby. It was a good hosting by New Mexico Youth Rugby and a slew of parents and volunteers.

East returned in time to defeat Colorado Springs. East spread the ball wide early against Springs and jumped out to a 15-0 lead. Springs fought back with some solid forward play and the score was 20-12 to East at halftime. In the second half, Springs scored twice more but couldn't haul in East as the game ended 25-22. Sam Adix was named back of the match for tactical kicking, and Ramsey Carter was outstanding in the forwards for his work in the lineout. 

This weekend, both Springs and East were slated to host the Kansas City Jr. Blues, however a report on the Rugby Colorado website says those games are canceled due to the weather.