Flathead Valley's Black and Blue team defeated the Mud Dogs of Missoula 19-12 this past weekend to win the Montana Youth Rugby Boys HS championships.

The Black and Blue ended the season 8-0-1, and held on in a tough, physical match.

Payton Boyce scored three tries for Black and Blue and was named player of the game.

Head Coach Lance Heavirland spoke to the local media, and said: “I think the difference in the second half was our boys were fit, very well conditioned and wanted it bad after last year’s semifinal loss,” Heavirland told KPAX.com. “That’s all they have been focusing on since open gym in the winter.”

Black and Blue hammered the Helena Hooligans 68-5 in the semi, led by Jacob Ridgeway, Sam Mann, Ziah Brown, and Tilor Mercier. Matt Gilder also played well for the Flathead Valley team, with youngsters Daniel Long and Jacque Eve also showing some good performances.

The Black and Blue also won the Junior High School championship, beating Helena 24-10 in the final.

Heavirland also had praise for his players' sportsmanship, which, he said, they had demonstrated all season.