Aspetuck out of Connecticut defeated Berks out of Pennsylvania in a tough opener for both teams.

The game was a much-anticipated return to rugby for both sides, and unlike the weather, it did not disappoint.  Berks made the trip up to Newtown, Conn. for the matchup on Aspetuck's home pitch.  The last time either team had played any 15s rugby was over a year ago when these two teams met in Pennsylvania for a mini tournament with West End to kick off the 2020 season. 

The season ended due to the COVID shutdown then, and everyone had to wait.

Since most students had their fall football and wrestling seasons canceled over the past year, the athletes were very eager to take the field and play again.

Although the day started out clear and like it may be a good day for a game, during the course of the A- and B-side games, the weather did not cooperate. It went from cold and clear, to windy, to freezing and then the wind gusts really kicked in, followed by some snow, then hail. Finally it cleared up by the end of the A side game, albeit still bitter cold and windy.

But the rugby made it all worthwhile.  The JV teams kicked off the day, with many new players on both sides of the ball playing in their first-ever rugby game. The game started off with a strong effort on both sides and looked great for players who have not played for so long.  Young talent on both sides showed that these teams should be very good for the years to come with this level of rugby coming up through their programs. 

While Aspetuck took an early lead 15-0 at halftime, Berks made adjustments which Aspetuck were not ready for, and closed the gap to 15-5 early in the second half. Then the by the middle of the second, Aspetuck put 10 more on the scoreboard by some impressive work in the backline.  Berks came back to score an additional try by the end of the second half, but ran out of time, leaving the game 25-10 Aspetuck.  

Then the A-side game started with both teams fired up and coming at each other hard and fast, just as the weather started getting crazy.  It started out with lots of back and forth with Aspetuck forwards pounding on the Berks team multiple times, but the Berks backline capitalizing on some solid tackling and also stripping the ball to prevent Aspetuck from scoring early on. 

Berks put the first points on the board after one of their poaches got the ball from the wing and took it to score in the corner, putting Berks up 5-0. Aspetuck went right back at it pounding with their forwards, and put one back on the board off a penalty play, tying the game at 5-5. Shortly after that, with the powerful wind at their backs Berks earned a penalty and put it through the uprights for an 8-5 lead.

Minutes later, Aspetuck put another try on the board with multiple phases of their forwards taking it down the field. That was converted and it was 12-8 Aspetuck.

That soon became a one-point game as Berks slotted another penalty. This was answered by another Aspetuck try as the snow began to fall. It was 17-11 Aspetuck at halftime and all to play for.

"We had a good idea what to expect," said Berks Head Coach Greg Stelluti. "Big hard-running forwards and athletic backs. We had to come out playing hard defense from the opening whistle. We were able to keep our defensive structure and meet them behind the gainline and our backs were able to frustrate their backs with high pressure defense."

But the second half was a different story. Aspetuck seemed to settle into their play and stepped up defensively, holding Berks scores for the next 35 minutes. They were able to poach ball in the rucks and got their back line more involved. It was the backline that scored the first try of the half and the pack, led by No. 8 Amari Phillips and prop/lock Matt Weiner, followed that up with two more. And that made it 34-11, which is how it ended.

"We were unable to capitalize on the several times we were inside Aspetucks 22 in the second half, and we turned down chances at points on penalties," said Stelluti. "Aspetuck was able to capitalize on all of their opportunities. I was very proud of our boys and they played with heart for the entire 70 minutes."

For Berks, flanker Turk Baum played exceptionally well and continuously delivered big hits on defense while center Zak Elgogari kicked well from the tee led the backline defensive effort. Phillips and Weiner set the tone for a powerful Aspetuck forward effort.

"We were able to wear them down in the second half," said Aspetuck Head Coach Ray Weiner. "For the first game both teams got some of their aggression out and it was an enjoyable thing. It wasn't perfect but it was a good re-introduction to playing a real game—playing unopposed in training doesn't really get you ready for the game. Our guys did well and I think if we clean a few things up we can be really good."

Getting back on the field was a victory for both teams, but certainly that second half for Aspetuck was something to notice. What's even better is that they will have the opportunity to meet again in two weeks when Aspetuck travels down to Pennsylvania to attend the Berks County Rugby Tournament on March 27.  After that they will play Staples HS, #1 HS club Charlotte Tigers, Wando, Xavier (twice), Greenwich (twice), and St. Ignatius.