The Mudturtles of Union County New Jersey won their fifth consecutive State Championship Saturday, beating Bridgewater, a team they lost to earlier in the season, 32-12.  

These two teams met April 24, with Bridgewater winning comfortably 38-5. But it was a different story this time around, as the Mudturtles got off to a fast start. Jack Dabulas scored twice in the opening minutes, and then Ben Kelly made it 15-0 with a long run down the sidelines. Bridgewater replied with a try to make it 15-7 at halftime, but in the second period, Union seniors Brendan Collum and Eric Swanson dominated the rucks and open field play, showing impressive fitness in hot weather.

Likewise, Ziggy Zyshonne consistently made hard tackles and was difficult to bring down. Kelly continued to play aggressively throughout the second half, and notched another try, while Tom Morley carried three defenders on his back as he went over to score.

Chris Kollie scored driving through two defenders after multiple phase ball as the Mudturtles controlled the point of contact, while Hendrix Vernot and Pat Hak led the defensive effort. 

Union's team was not a team of all stars, but  a unit of hard-working  talented rugby players who enjoyed the camaraderie of the program.

During the season, Union lost Spencer Pascal, a dominant flanker, and Kevn Bronander, a multi-position player, to injuries. But others stepped in to fill the gaps and Bronander continued to be a leader despite not being able to play.