Union County RFC traveled to the Jersey Shore Sharks in what was expected to be a closely contested match. Neither team disappointed.

Both teams began with ferocious defense. Jersey Shore 8 man Evan Burton ran hard a number of times along with Center Sam Watts. The Mudturtles, missing 5 starters, had to rely on depth and bring up a number of young players in order to contain the hard running Sharks. Late in the first half, winger Cole Zuckerman was unleashed on the outside to pick up the first try of the match. Union 5 - Jersey Shore 0.

The second half opened up with the same hard hitting action with both teams raising the level of physicality. After a number of late hits and a retaliation, the Mudturtles received a red card, forcing them to play with 14 players for the final 32 minutes of the game. A few moments later, the Mudturtles were able to string together a series of rucks and put Ryan Rhatigan across the try line.

The Sharks answered back with some strong play in the middle of the field and giving their center Sam Watts (?) a gap for the try to bring the score to 12-7. At this point, the Union team started to put its game plan into action despite being down a player and drove the length of the pitch with Loosehead prop Jordan Barham blasting his way in for the try. Barham and Prop Isaiah Alejo had a number of massive runs to help breakdown the Shark's defense. Moments later Rhatigan, who made all the conversion attempts and one penalty kick, was able to cross the try line again. The Sharks in the final moments of the game were able to find space on the outside with their winger to bring the final score to 29-12. 

Union 29 - Jersey Shore 12. 

A B-side game followed with some of the Jersey shore A-side players filling out a few spots against the Union U16 side. Jersey Shore got out to an early lead 5-0. Union fullback Shane Morgan, running like a future forward, rumbled his way in for a score. Jersey Shore proved to be too strong for the young Mudturtle side finishing up 12 - 40. 

Union B 12 - Jersey Shore 40. 

Next up for Union County will be a huge clash with the Morris Rugby Club. Union is the defending state HS club champion, but Morris leads the league right now.