Staples and Fairfield Pegasi clashed in Connecticut over the weekend in a game that was as much about pecking order in the state as anything else.

With Staples coming off a close win over Greenwich, they were looking to consolidate that with a win over Fairfield. Meanwhile, Fairfield had started well and had Staples and Greenwich in their sights.

It was a physical battle between two well-matched teams.

Staples struck first with two quick first half tries, capitalizing on some Fairfield mistakes. 

Fairfield rebounded, however and made a couple of adjustments for the second half. The changes worked immediately, with Fairfield scoring a try early in the half. Staples replied and led 19-7.

Fairfield continued to work the comeback and scored twice more, but weren’t able to convert, making the score 19-17.

In the final minute down by two and starting deep inside there own 22, Fairfield was charging up the field and got inside of Staples 22. But they were pinged for a penalty and Staples was able to tap and kick the ball dead to end the game.

For Staples, it was about staying structured on defense and working the set pieces. They decided early to use their big forward pack to make the yard, and it worked.

But Fairfield’s comeback has other teams on notice.

Staples got tries from center Nic Prior, wing Eoin Cuddy, and lock Owen Clarke. Fullback Felix Pollmann converted two.

Fairfield got tries from Corbin Smith, Josh Pastore, and TJ Finegan, with Smith converting the first try.