The Okapi Wanderers Junior Varsity players faced UK tourists Harton Tech College at Tequesta, Fla. this past Friday, and came away with an impressive victory.

Okapi, led by High Performance Director Fabian Pourrain, had developed a game plan and style of play that had made them Florida champions, so Okapi Coaches were eager to see if it worked at this, more demanding, level.

The game got off to swift start and the first half was played at a staggering tempo. Swift passing, crunching tackles and incisive running by both teams made for a highly entertaining game. After an early penalty goal from Okapi’s Andres Villarreal, Harton scored an excellent try, which was followed by a great breakthrough run and try by Okapi’s captain and center, Agustin Hays. A combination of kicks, bruising forward play and first class passing resulted in two Harton tries, putting the score at 15-8 in their favor.

The difference could have been more, had it not been for Okapi’s scrumhalf and Man of the Match Tomas Gallo, whose excellent tackling and game plan execution kept the Wanderers close. Tomas Gallo direction and ball distribution kept Okapi gaining ground with their forwards, before he released the backs when space was available. Okapi’s flow was stunted by errors, but Andres Villareal boot kept them in the game. The half time score was 15-11 to Harton. 

On the second half, No. 8 ‘juan Dos Santos and Andres Villarreal continued with their impressive runs, stretching Harton’s beleaguered defense and each of them scored nicely-taken tries. Hans Hernandez, who had a very steady game at fullback dealing with Harton’s high and long kicks, also scored, running in support of wing Juan Maurizi line break. As Harton slowed, Okapi applied the pressure and stepped up their defense and ball control, knowing that they could win. And they did, scoring 20 unanswered points in the second half, until the last minute, but Harton’s converted try came too late to make a difference. Final score Okapi Wanderers 31 – Harton Tech College 22.

Exhausted players took to the shade for rehydration and pizza. The Harton boys and supporters shared rugby stories with coaches, Okapi players from all divisions, family members and friends, who had enjoyed an exciting high quality, clean game, played in great spirit.