Pelham HS out of New York traveled to Florida and faced the Academy of Rugby Excellence (ARE).

ARE is a select-side made up of players from the Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and Cape Pirates. As a select-side, ARE had its pick of talent in the area, but at the same time, Pelham was coming in as a relatively settled side.

In a tough, physical match, Pelham went up 14-0 before ARE scored to make it 14-7. In the second half Pelham scored early in the period and then added another about midway through to make it 28-7. ARE and Pelham traded tries, and then the hosts ran in two more, including one at the death, to make it 35-28 for Pelham.

Pelham travelled light with several key players missing, but Coach Matt Persanis was pleased, saying it was “a complete team victory - good decisions all day.”

ARE hosted the DW Poppy School of Vancouver, BC on Friday, beating the Canadian tourists 39-12. Also on Saturday, the Cape Pirates hosted the Harvey School out of New York and won 24-17. The Pirates now face Pelham on Tuesday, while the Pirates look ahead to Union County out of North Carolina.