In a close, tense encounter United Rugby Club defeated the Orem Stallions 18-10 to take the Utah Youth Rugby HS club title Saturday.

It was a rainy day at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and the slick conditions made it difficult for teams to hold onto the ball. And while it wasn't the prettiest of spectacles, it was the same for everyone. United led most of the way, but couldn't shake Orem. It wasn't until late in the game that Ben Griffin raced in to turn a 13-10 score into 18-10.

United Head Coach Colin Puriri said that it was nice to close out a tight game for once.

"The last few weeks we've been on a good role, and it was really good to win this one," Puriri said. "We played a good, physical game. They have some excellent players, including D'Arman Notoa, who might be the best player in the state."

Orem slotted Notoa in at scrumhalf and then around the field, and United defenders did well to key on him and, as Puriri said, "put him down."

That was enough. Wth John Raas playing a really strong game, and Ben Webber and Darian Power once again playing well, United is peaking at the right time, just in time for the Boys HS NIT.

Orem also peaked at the right time. After losing two conference games to finish the regular season 3-2, the Stallions beat Kau Toa and West Valley to make this final.