As we mentioned last week, The Woodlands club is struggling with being a) a very good team and b) geographically isolated. They have been winning locally by large margins and are looking for challenging opponents elsewhere (they are willing to travel). This week Woodlands won comfortably over HEB led by three tries from Tate Standridge and two each from Erben Birkhoff and Brody Hopkins. Trace Snellman, Anthony Ventura, Elijah Capiro, Magnus Herndon, Ilen Menon, Aiden Ventura, Beckett Barefoot, and Jake Joyce all touched down.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, HEB brought a physical edge to the contest and fought valiantly throughout. This match marked a milestone for HEB, as it’s their first year back competing in boys’ high school rugby within Rugby Texas after a hiatus spent rebuilding their youth program. Their determination was evident, even as Woodlands’ defense held firm, limiting HEB to just a single penalty kick for their three points.

Woodlands Head Coach Werner Marx praised both teams after the game. “It was good to face a big, physical opponent tonight,” Marx said. “Our boys didn’t shy away from contact and absorbed some massive shots from HEB. I was really proud of our defense tonight and especially of an extended defensive stand at the try line that resulted in a turnover. It’s always a good night when we can keep our opponent from scoring tries.”

In Utah, Cavemen Rugby had a big win, 93-10 over a well-regarded West Valley Warriors. West Valley was big and physical but Cavemen Rugby was able to win with line speed, forwards ball, and getting the ball to quickly to space out wide with passing or qith the boot.

Scrumhalf Chris Malo scored three tries amd No. 8 Easton Simmons scored two.

In North Carolina, the Charlotte Tigers continued their solid run of form with an impressive shutout win over the Raleigh Redhawks in their NCYRU HS Club league opener.

Charlotte wasted no time in setting the tone as captain Jameson Beatty opened the scoring just five minutes in. Despite some early Tiger handling errors, center Zachary Cullen quickly found his rhythm and sliced through the Redhawks' defense for his first try of the day. The Tigers maintained their relentless pressure, and Beatty crossed the try line again. Hooker John Teli—who recently transitioned from the center position—displayed impressive strength and agility, beating multiple defenders on a powerful run to notch his first try of the season.

The Redhawks remained undeterred and responded with a determined counterattack. Capitalizing on a turnover, Raleigh advanced deep into Tigers' territory and forced a penalty for not rolling away. Charlotte got a yellow card, and the Redhawks pressured the line. But the Tigers' goalline defense was good and they eventually forced a turnover.

Despite being shorthanded, Charlotte scored just before halftime with No. 8 Nick Flemings powering over.

In the second half center Jack Flemings scored two tries and his midfield mate, Cullen, scored on when he recovered his own high kick to race in. Beatty repeated the feat, chasing down his own kick to score. Prop Harry Gail, Cullen for the third time, and Flemings all got over the line.

Captain Jameson Beatty said that he was most proud of the boys for constantly winning the physical battle and that they let the ball do the work.

Head Coach Jason Paquette added that the team's consistent defensive pressure and ability to stay connected on defense was what pleased him. The middle of the defense was led by John Teli, Xavier Flowe, and Cullen, who all delivered big hits throughout the match. Meanwhile, wings Bennet Reeder and William Taylor controlled the edges with excellent defensive efforts all day long.