In their first league game as a varsity sport, the Pelham HS rugby team defeated a solid Fordham Prep squad 40-22.

It was a tight and, at times, very fractious game, but one Pelham was up for as they enter into their first U18/high school league effort. The Pelham program was built from the ground up with middle-schoolers - the program fielded older and older teams as the original players grew up.

Fordham Prep led 15-14 at halftime, but Pelham exploded for four tries in the second half. Loose forwards Kevin Ndou and North Westall were useful for Pelham in getting some go-forward and also in defense. Prop Josh Quinn was also a power in contact and hooker Morgan Collins worked well in the rucks. With quick ball being sent out by scrumhalf Luke Persanis, and flyhalf Cian Burns directing the attack and defense well, Pelham started to take control of the game.

It didn’t hurt Pelham - and certainly hurt Fordham - that the latter saw their discipline fall and the referee showing a series of cards.

Pelham’s midfield of Whit Johnson and Justin Johnson took advantage of the extra space nicely.

It was a good run-out for Pelham, as they look ahead to St. Anthony’s this coming Sunday.