The upshot from the Mount St. Mary's-hosted Academy Tournament is that the Midwest Thunderbirds won.
The T-Birds finished 4-0 in the U18s and 3-1 in the U16s, beating Atlantis (1-3, 3-1) and Ohio Aviators (1-3, 0-4). But, the story on Day 2 was perhaps more about improvement.
Midwest won all of their games by large margins on Day 1, and Atlantis was clearly stronger than the Aviators.
But a day of contemplation and adjustments made the contest a bit different on the second day.
In the U16s the Aviators vs Atlantis game was a barnburner. The Aviators looked to use a wiper kick to unleash speedy winger Zaron Foster-Phelps.
The first few attempts didn't quite connect, and with Atlantis being solid in their counter-attack and somewhat bigger in the pack they scored two tries to lead 10-0.
However, the Aviators stormed back with a try. Atlantis responded.
In the second half, the wiper kick started to work and Foster-Phelps chased one down and sidestepped his way over.
Defensive pressure led to another Foster-Phelps try and it was suddenly 17-17 with time winding down.
But Atlantis pulled up their socks and charged in to score to seal it 24-17.
Yes the Aviators had lost, but they had made it a game.
The Midwest U18s beat the Aviators in the next match, but again it was closer, this time 28-10.
The Thunderbirds' scrum was excellent on the weekend and they earned a couple of steals as a result of their drive. As time went on they were able to move the ball wide and seal it, turning a slim 14-10 advantage into a 28-10 victory.
