Monarch HS started the Colorado Interscholastic Rugby Association season with a 27-5 victory over debutant program Valor Christian.

The game was a first for the league, which launched this past weekend. It was the only game of the weekend as the Regis vs Palmer game had to be canceled. This was also the first-ever rugby game for Valor Christian in any league. The highly-regarded private school with a number of state sporting championships to its name turned many heads when it decided to start a rugby program in the new CIRA.

Monarch got a strong game from the interior backs, namely flyhalf Logan Lair and centers Andrew Thexton and Josh Ponder. They managed the flow and rhythm of the game well. Hooker Karten Hanson was very good also.

"We were able to control the game a bit better," said Monarch Head Coach Chris Hanson. "And we were able to play in the Valor half more."

The backs ran the attack nicely and with Valor committing some penalties common to new players, Monarch was able to pull away. Valor, who saw flyhalf Tucker Lane, No. 8 Rylan Palmer, and center Jack Zilligan show very well, are a team to watch said Hanson.

"The game was massively physical game on both sides," said Hanson.  "Valor is a new team but are well-coached and have tremendous athletes. This will be a fantastic rivalry."