Pelham HS clinched a return to the Rugby NY playoffs with a 27-21 defeat of Harvey School.

Harvey actually ld 14-0 t halftime, but a change in tactics, using scrumhalf Luke Persanis to box kick and lengthen the field on Harvey. That worked nicely, and Persanis scored off a quick tap from long range, and then he slipped through for another long run to set up Sam Louman for a try.

The kicks kept Harvey under pressure, and that led to a nice try from the forwards, and Phillip Dulock added two penalties and two conversions to ensure the win. It was Pelham's third year in the playoffs in the team's third year of playing HS rugby. Fordham Prep and Xavier are also set for playoff rugby, and on more is pushing. 

But this game was a big one for Pelham, as the team has had to rebound from some rough results. Persanis, who played for the HSAA East team over the summer, runs the offense well, but also made some key defensive plays.