Aspetuck played Fort Hunt last week on a bright Saturday in New York in what was a welcome high-rankings meeting for both.

"We appreciate Fort Hunt setting up the match and giving both teams an early opportunity playing a top-level game," said Aspetuck Head Coach Ray Weiner.

The game started with Aspetuck scoring early. Both sides traded tries as the game went on, with Aspetuck scoring by putting multiple phases together and Fort Hunt scoring on several breakaways. Both teams played solid defense throughout. Weiner commented that he thought his squad "was aggressive but didn't know their assignments well enough while Fort Hunt's defensive line pressure and tackling was the difference in the game." 

Fort Hunt Coach Dale Roach agreed, saying that "both teams were powerful in the contact area and played aggressive defense." 

As time wound down, Fort Hunt led by 10 points, 27-17. With seven minutes to go, Aspetuck slotted a penalty kick and had pulled within a converted try. Both teams traded a few possessions around midfield when Aspetuck flipped the field with an excellent kick for territory and then turned Fort Hunt over. With just a few minutes remaining, Aspetuck had the ball and started running the phases and pressing the Fort Hunt line. In injury time, the Warriors were able to put in a hard tackle forcing a knock-on. The game ended on the turnover, and the final was Fort Hunt Warriors 27 – Aspetuck 20.

Both teams started several younger players. Weiner said he was "very happy with two new players that moved up to varsity play. Jackson Reyes at flanker showed great effort and toughness, while sophomore Leo Venebles showed he deserved a varsity opportunity by making good decisions and flexibility to play multiple positions due to several backline injuries." 

For the Warriors, freshman Saia Tuivailala started his first varsity game, playing  inside center, and showed strong defense against some very powerful players. 

"Several sophomores— Andrew Ringel (hooker) and Alofi Sake (No. 8) – stepped in near the end and added a needed punch," added Roach.

Steve Lewis, Rugby New York Director of Rugby Operations, was there.

"We at Rugby New York were delighted to host two powerhouse high school programs such as Aspetuck and Fort Hunt in a curtain-raiser for our MLR home opener," Lewis said. "It was a great contest, and there was plenty of good rugby and good talent on show." 

Next up for Fort Hunt is Gonzaga, which has started strong with wins over Gregory the Great and Santa Monica. Aspetuck, for their part, will take on Rugby PA club contenders Berks County.