The Mid-South Indepdendent Rugby League is set for its playoffs with the top two from each fonerence facing off.

On Saturday night, Phoenix Alpharetta, which won the Western Conference, will take on Eastern Conference #2 Charlotte Tigers. Phoenix has looked very strong in the West. Meanwhile, the Tigers defeated Chapel Hill 44-33 in a barnburner this past weekend to sew up the #2 seed. It was a winner-take-the-spoils game.

With Chapel Hill up 26-25, Tigers center Ethyn Baker took a stolen ball and raced 95 meters to score a crucial try.

"It was odd because they scored most of their tries on a missed tackle and a long run, and we scored most of ours on building phases, but that try was a long run for us, and we needed it," said Charlotte Coach Erik Saxon.

Center Darius Law was brilliant on defense and scored two tries. Scurmhalf Alex Paquette continued his superb run of form and scored a crucial late try, capping off a ten-phase movement. No. 8 David Grant was dominant in the set piece.

"This was easily the match of the year in North Carolina."

Both teams will play in state semis this coming weekend on Friday, and could meet again in the state final.

Meanwhile, Eastern Conference #1 is Wando, which has played some excellent rugby, and takes on South Greenville. For its part, South Greenville beat Greenville 29-5 Friday. Sid Shoop has had an excellent season at scrumhalf.

The winning semifinalists will face off May 12 at Clemson University.