Withrow Rugby won a key early game, and a tight one, in Rugby Ohio action, beating rivals Walnut Hills 21-17.

The Cincinnati-based teams had to mount a comeback to do it, as Walnut Hills played some smart rugby with the wind at their backs to win the territorial game and lead 17-0. Withrow didn't help themselves by making a few early-season errors, but it was more about Walnut Hills using pressure, a good kicking game, and capitalizing on turnovers that accounted for their lead.

But it could have been more than 17 had new fullback Jamez Early not worked so hard to get under kicks and counter effectively. With scrumhalf George Koko keeping a steady hand, Withrow didn't wilt.

Instead, in the second half things started to come together. The Withrow players started to communicate better and forwards KeAndre Early, D'Juan Veal, and Terry Cannon helped ramp up the physicality. Flyhalf Themba Martin Weiler found Jeron Grant and Tyshaun Thomas on the outside and that combination led to three tries, all converted, and a 21-17 victory.

It was a good win for Withrow after finding wins hard to come by in the Moeller preseason tournament. Losses to Chargers and St. Charles were both very close, and in shortened games sometimes it's tough to come back. In a full-length game, Withrow was able to make adjustments and use their fitness and pace to take the lead.