Royal Irish took the Rugby Indiana Super League title Monday, beating a tenacious Bishop Dwenger 32-21.

Led by a playoff MVP performance by flyhalf Tommy Hannon, and with prop Andy Guhl leading the way up front, Royal Irish put in a very strong defensive performance. However, when they made errors, Dwenger was only too happy to capitalize.

Royal Irish ran out to a 20-0 lead, but with a yellow card making the Indianapolis team shorthanded, Fort Wayne’s Dwenger was able to inflict some hurt.

Oscar Perez, Cole Carey, and Joe Fabini all scored tries for Dwenger, with Daniel Cava converting all three.

But Royal Irish held on, and with scrumhalf Dylan Peters scampering through several Dwenger defenders for a somewhat improbable try,  they won 32-21.

“Our defense was very good,” said Royal Irish Head Coach Dave Snyder. “We moved them backwards at times, and with Tommy kicking for distance and pinning them back I think we did well. Dwenger are a very good team.”

"Going toe-to-toe with Royal Irish is always going to be a battle,” said Dwenger Coach Taylor Serres. “They were able to capitalize on our mistakes better and earned the victory. Our seniors have set the bar high for years to come. Thanks to their effort and hard work, this club will continue to grow and get better."

"After Covid, getting to the Indiana Super League final against Royal Irish was an honor and a privilege,” added Dwenger Coach Sam DiFilippo. “Hats off to Dave Snyder and his team. That is the best group I've seen of theirs in many years. The respect shown this weekend is something unique to Indiana and we can't wait to see what kind of momentum this brings our club."