In a game that illustrated how close the top three teams in Rugby Maryland are, the Maryland Exiles were able to just get by West Carroll 15-14 this past weekend.

The Exiles dominated the first half and were rewarded with two unconverted tries.  The first came in the 10th minute as the ball went through the Exiles backline to Wing Junior Kayembe.  As he was tackled, Kayembe popped the ball up to supporting Flanker Elijah Ruspi.  Ten minutes later is was Kutztown signee Center Noah Lucas who split the West Carroll defense to touch down in the corner.  Halftime Maryland Exiles 10 West Carroll 0

Any thoughts that the Exiles had about blowing this game open were quickly dashed.  West Carroll came out with a much more aggressive defense and began to move the ball with physical inside running.  Their tough play led to a try by Scrumhalf Dakota Bowers that was converted by Beniah Brown.  Continued pressure led to another try with ten minutes left in the match.  This time it was Second Row Preston Jones going over between the posts to set up another Beniah Brown conversion.  West Carroll took the lead 14-10 and had all of the momentum.

It was at this moment the Maryland Exiles came up with a bit of magic.  Mixing runs by forwards Buck Rogers, George Siarkas and Franck Tchato with backline movements, they edged the ball the length of the field.  Scrumhalf Francisco de la Lama was able to find Sophomore Flanker Tyler Lopes for the winning unconverted try.  Final: Maryland Exiles 15 West Carroll 14

"It was great that we were able to come back the way that we did," said Exiles captain Jabari Agyemann (pictured speaking to the team at halftime). "I was really pleased with the way that our guys responded when the everything was against us." 

West Carroll Marauders Coach Brad Rockwood was philosophical about the game: "It was a well played match between both teams, and a very exciting high school match to watch.  The Exiles were well coached and hopefully we will get another crack at them in the playoffs"

Howard County is also sitting at the top of the able with the Exiles and Marauders.  Howard County just lost a very tough game to West Carroll, after beating the Maryland Exiles soundly in their first league game of the season.