Xavier HS out of New York City opened their 2015 season with an impressive 67-5 defeat of #21 St. Joseph’s Prep out of Philadelphia, Pa. 

Xavier, ranked #4 by Goff Rugby Report, had been outside only three times before this game, usually practicing in the school cafeteria, and with a small number of returning starters expected a game full of mistakes. The coaches were pleasantly surprised.

“We were very happy with the first run out with this team,” said Xavier Coach Joe Sweeney. “The biggest reason for that is that we have great coaches on our lower levels and the kids come up with great skills and preparation by the time they're juniors.”

The Xavier scrum was strong and because of that St. Joseph’s handling errors cost them.

“But we know we need to improve our discipline at the breakdown and defense out wide,” said Sweeney. “If we brought this match to the Nationals we would lose. But we've got a lot of time to get better and some big games this season to challenge us.”

Xavier played #3 Gonzaga, #18 St. Ignatius, #5 Greenwich, and New Plymouth from New Zealand this year.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was very energetic on attack and defense and was rewarded with three tries, while   Eamonn Matthews and James Tweedy moved the ball well and controlled the attack from the halfback positions. Both are returning starters who have played over 30 matches together. Matthews will be attending Dublin University (Trinity) in the fall.

Next week Xavier faces St. Igantius at Penn State’s field.

“They are a great quality club and I think they are among the truly elite teams,” said Sweeney. “Dan Arbenzik has done great work there over the past five years to turn them into one of the top programs in the country.”