Thunder Rugby secured a spot in the Boys HS Rugby National Championships with an emphatic 45-15 victory over Belmont Shore.
With the win, Thunder, which has already defeated SOC Raptors, has won the three-team Socal play-in for the HS National Championships. (San Diego Mustangs had already secured an invitation.)
Center Ryan Scully was exceptional in both attack and defense for Thunder, scoring four tries and chasing down line breaks to make try-saving ankle tap tackles.
Forwards Henry Mallory and Nate Leovao were non-stop as well, attacking the line with pace and power but also their off-the-ball work.
With the halfback combination of Deacon Maeva and Max Ricono, Thunder was able to make some good decisions.
All of this has led to a 3-1 record for the Carlsbad club, with a156 points for and 95 against. This sets up a semifinal in which Thunder plays ... Belmont Shore.
