Connecticut Sweeps Select Side Tourney in NY
Connecticut Sweeps Select Side Tourney in NY
Part of the resurgence of HS all-star and select-side tournaments took place in late June in New York.
Teams from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, both boys and girls, converged on Glover Field in Pelham, NY for a on-day event.
The idea of the tournament was to give the players a chance to play with players from other teams in their state and play at a high level. This was especially useful for players on teams that don't log a lot of victories but have rugby ability that could shine in this environment.
Sponsors were the NYAC Rugby Foundation, Pelham Recreation, and Fairfield University.
In girls action, New Yrok and New Jersey combined to field a single team while Connecticut and Pennsylvania fielded teams from their states. Connecticut won the girls division, going 2-0. Cara Doherty stood out as a top player. NY/ NJ took second led by Caitlan Moroney.
In boys action, all four states fielded a team. In the first games of the day New York defeated Pennsylvania while Connecticut beat New Jersey. This set up a repeat of the very entertaining first-place game from last year, in which Connecticut defeated New York in a very well-played contest.
Firstly, however, New Jersey defeated the RugbyPa team to take 3rd place.
In the final, both teams came out firing, playing with skill and a fast pace. New York got over the tryline first but the try was called back. Connecticut struck back, took the lead, and didn't look back as they rolled to win the tournament.
It was an entertaining and well-played final.
