Indiana North Wins Boys MW All-Stars
Indiana North Wins Boys MW All-Stars
Indiana North defeated Indiana South to win the Midwest Rugby Challenge Boys Varsity All-Star bracket Sunday at the Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Ind.
The 24-17 victory capped off a very successful weekend for all of the Indiana boys teams, as Indiana South B finished 4th (losing to the Cleveland Celts), and the state also fielded two JV and teams in the 7th/8th-grade and 5th/6th-grade brackets.
"I'm very proud of the way everyone played," said Indiana Coach Eddie Abel. "We stuck to our offensive and defensive structure and it led to positive results."
Leading the way for Indiana North was Penn HS flanker Connor Marsh, who continually poached ball in the breakdown, and No. 8 Jason Taylor from Warsaw, who was tough with the ball in hand and gave his team excellent go-forward.
For Indiana South, Brian Hannin of the Cathedral Royal Irish showcased some excellent goalkicking and played a snappy scrumhalf, while fellow Royal Irish player Jake Ney was solid at No. 8 and the team's top try-scorer. Southeastern's Nathan Fogley led the Indiana South defense at center.
Leading the way for Indiana North was Penn HS flanker Connor Marsh, who continually poached ball in the breakdown, and No. 8 Jason Taylor from Warsaw, who was tough with the ball in hand and gave his team excellent go-forward.
For Indiana South, Brian Hannin of the Cathedral Royal Irish showcased some excellent goalkicking and played a snappy scrumhalf, while fellow Royal Irish player Jake Ney was solid at No. 8 and the team's top try-scorer. Southeastern's Nathan Fogley led the Indiana South defense at center.
Abel said the good play from both teams was down to their defensive effort, and the platform set by the forwards.
But Indiana South will have to be pleased with their offensive effort. Their 17 points against Indiana North were the only points North gave up all weekend.
The biggest test either of these teams faced were the Celts out of Ohio. They pushed Indiana South 17-7 on Saturday and then beat Indiana South B 60-13 for 3rd.
Michigan defeated Illinois 29-5 for 5th place.
Among the players who showed well in the younger brackets were fullback Markese Stepp, who was brilliant on the counter-attack, and Iason Terezis at flyhalf. Forwards Sam Hauke (hooker), Stu Earnhardt (flanker), and props Daniel Ayala and Andy Guhl all played well, especially in the breakdown.
Jake Bass of Illinois was a standout for the younger Tornadoes.
But Indiana South will have to be pleased with their offensive effort. Their 17 points against Indiana North were the only points North gave up all weekend.
The biggest test either of these teams faced were the Celts out of Ohio. They pushed Indiana South 17-7 on Saturday and then beat Indiana South B 60-13 for 3rd.
Michigan defeated Illinois 29-5 for 5th place.
Among the players who showed well in the younger brackets were fullback Markese Stepp, who was brilliant on the counter-attack, and Iason Terezis at flyhalf. Forwards Sam Hauke (hooker), Stu Earnhardt (flanker), and props Daniel Ayala and Andy Guhl all played well, especially in the breakdown.
Jake Bass of Illinois was a standout for the younger Tornadoes.
