The Chapel Hill Highlanders and Union County Lions won semifinal games this weekend to make the North Carolina HS Club final next week.

It was a physical clash between Union and the Charlotte Tigers. Union County is a relatively young team and over the season that group has been coming together.

“We have been slowly getting the younger players up to speed,” said Union County Steve McAreavy. “During our spring break tour to Florida the guys really started to play some team rugby, instead of playing as individuals.”

With the players having bought into the system, and with sophomore prop Tarshawn Reed having a solid game, and senior center Khris Missick excellent in the backs, the Lions held off the Tigers 28-13.

“Hopefully,” said McAreavy, “we are peaking at the right time.”

Meanwhile, the Chapel Hill Highlanders had a bit of a struggle with the always-tough Raleigh Rattlesnakes. The Highlanders took a 17-0 lead in the first 20 minutes with sophomore fullback Ben Austin scoring two tries and No. 8 Daniel Covi chasing down a chip kick from Lawrence Bridges for another. 

But in the second half Raleigh came back and made it 17-12. Only a determined defensive effort from the Highlanders saw them through.

So it’s Chapel Hill against Union County for the North Carolina HS club title next week.