Going into 2024 St. Martin’s out of Kansas has already set the tone for what could be a very nice follow-up to a strong 2023.
The Kingfishers played Gregory the Great in a December season warmup and followed that up with a game against a KC Alliance U19 team.
They showed very well in the warmups. Against GGA, St. Martin’s won 47-3 with two tries from No. 8 Harry Lategan and tries from scrumhalf Joseph Moleski, flyhalf Patrick Mullholland, wings Sam Egger and Joseph Beckman, and center Ben Skinner. Center Will Van De Ryt converted six of the seven tries.
The team played some excellent defense in the game, which was held at Notre Dame de La Salette’s field in Illinois. While the contest was of course plagued with early-season errors, there was plenty of skill on show as well. But the Kingfishers tackling and discipline was very strong. Moleski earned man-of-the-match honors and scored on a very cheeky little chip kick that surprised GGA. His box kicking and decision-making were very strong. A well-coached and cohesive team, Gregory the Great is just getting started, but the result was a very good showing for St. Martin’s.
