The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rugby season is entering its playoffs.

In an early semifinal Belmont HS defeated BC High 49-14 to advance to the final.

BC came out with an aggressive and stifling game plan and it was a back and forth affair for the first 35 minutes or so. Belmont scored first through USA U18 player Asa Rosenmeier, set up nicely by his fellow Junior Eagles Jake Cornelius. This put Belmont up after 13 minutes but Cornelius was injured on the play and took no further part in the game. The injury is not expected to be serious.

BC High came back and equalized a few minutes later and then it was a tense remainder of the half with dominant tackles and defensive stands by both sides. 

At halftime Belmont made some adjustments and got on the board three minutes in through Max Cornelius. Rosenmeier followed that up with another big run. He was dragged down but quickly released, regathered, and dove over for his second try of the night and a 21-7 Belmont lead.

Seven minutes later the Belmont forwards used the wide edges of the field for some great interplay with the backs before Matt Doban broke through for a 40-meter try to make it 28-7 17 minutes into the second half. BC High continued to fight hard and charged down box kick attempt to gather up and score. Once again the conversion was good (no one had missed on either side) and it was 28-14. 

From there Belmont turned it up a notch and ran in three more tries. Doban notched his second and Rosenmeier his third, while Stephen Hong also added one. Hong was a perfect 7-for-7 for conversions, and no conversions were missed by either team. Hong ended up with 19 points.

Despite the scoreline flattering the home side, BC High came in with an excellent game plan, executed it flawlessly in the first half and played hard, physical, and exciting rugby throughout. But Belmont's ability to score quickly told the tale. With standout performances by Rosenmeier,  Doban, Hong, Max Cornelius, Billy Hendricksen, Zack Zaddem, and Henry Thomas they are on to the final.