Aspetuck Defeats Xavier
Aspetuck Defeats Xavier
Aspetuck defeated Xavier 26-12 in a big win for the Connecticut team.
After a couple of tough results in which they were missing some key leaders, Aspetuck bounced back with a strong performance.
Three players were missing for both Berks and Woodlands (both losses), including dynamic flyhalf Pearson Hill, but with those players back, and the newer players learning, Aspetuck produced a good performance.
Xavier, for their part, weren't so happy.
“We let outside factors get inside our head,” said front rower Christopher O’Halloran-Gannon.
“We were physical, but we got frustrated too easily,” added front rower Anthony Dabao.
The frustration came down to how Xavier adjusted to a the referee. This was a high-penalty game and getting into a flow was tough for both teams. As Head Coach Rex Norris pointed out, unhappiness with how the game was officiated led to panic, "and panic led to a lack of composure. That lack of composure led to pressure which turned into points for them. Part of this is our own doing. We will come up against situations like this again and we have to learn how to deal with it better.”
Xavier wing Padraig Long scored a try early in the second half to tie the game, but Aspetuck struck quickly and decisively in response before halfback Sean Donohue got Xavier's second try.
Pearson Hill scored three of Aspetuck's four tries, with his brother, Carson, getting the other. Jason Champagne converted three of them. But the return of the Hill brothers (Carson was also absent for the Berks loss) sparked the team.
"We have 12 new starters from last year and the new players are getting better every week," said Aspetuck head Coach Ray Weiner. "Both backs and forwards are slowly learning expectations and responsibilities to help team get better results. Our biggest improvement is with new players learning their defensive responsibilities. It's really a completely new team, but their are starting to get it."
Xavier also played the Fairfield Pegasi this weekend and put together a solid performance. Flyhalf Liam Allison was perfect kicking from the tee, scored a try, and was named player of the game.
