Fairfield University hosted a three-state high school select-side tournament last week with Met-New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey playing each other.
Met-NY defeated New Jersey 28-0 and Connecticut then beat New Jersey 41-0 to set up, for the fourth year in a row, a championship clash between these two teams.
Connecticut showed very well in winning the final game, defeating Met-NY 52-10.
The Rugby CT program benefited from a little longer buildup than New York and they put that time to good use.
The All-Star team started asking for nominations back in January and accepted them through to the end of May. Then they held two tryouts, with a selected playing having had to attend at least one of those tryout sessions. About 70 players were nominated, and 30 made the team.
As the team toko the field, several players showed well. Back rower Alex Iadarola (Fairfield Prep) scored two tries against New Jrsey while scrumhalf Mattias Bassler out of Staples HS controlled the speed of play masterfully. Wilbur Hughes of Fairfield Rugby Club dominated territory with his foot at flyhalf, and captain Lorenzo Sevilla, of Trumbull, was a strong communicator and tough ballcarrier while leading by example.
In the New York game, Bassler again managed speed of play well while Colin Walker of Fairfield Rugby Club burned on the edges for tries. Keane Horne of Trumbull had a strong showing at center and Trumbull prop Manny Liriano was probably the players of the game, controlling set piece, carrying hard, and tackling harder.
For Met-NY Kieran Meenan (Play Rugby), Eamonn Kennedy (Fordham Prep), Jon Mullan (Pelham HS), and Aiden Shaya ( also Pelham HS) were very good.
Next up for Connecticut is a game against the Rhode Island All-Stars on June 28, and they are looking for one more game if somebody is interested.
Met-NY
(For the 8th year in a row the Met-NY team was sponsored by the NYAC Foundation, providing jerseys, T-shirts, and ensuring no player pays to play)
1. Tyrick Norman, PRUSA
2. John Mcgrory, Pelham
3. Rafael Malka, Pelham
4. Vicente Ribeiro, Dwight
5. Gabe Dericco, Pelham
6. Kieran Meenan, PRUSA
7. Enda Mullen, Fordham Prep
8. Christian King, Pelham
9. Oscar Devilleneuve, Pelham
10.Jonathan Mullan, Pelham
11. Tyler Wu, PRUSA
12.Eamonn Kennedy, Fordham
13. Aidan Shaya, Pelham
14.Ruben Diaz, PRUSA
15.Mario Salomon, PRUSA
16.Jonah Guthartz, PRUSA
17.Antho-Neil Aspinall, PRUSA
18.Ryan Margolis, Dwight
19. Louis Salierno, New Rochelle
20.Alberto Garcia Haddad, Dwight
21.Matthew Erwin, St. Anthony’s
22.Josh Laveyssieres, Pelham
23.Maxximus Tumma, PRUSA
24. Luca Rachmiel, Xavier
25. Gus Robinson, New Rochelle
Head Coach
North Westall
