Rugby PA Crowns Five Champions
Rugby PA Crowns Five Champions
Rugby Pennsylvania's championship weekend wrapped up with five championships; and here's a look at then.
Boys U13
The Doylestown Rugby Club had four teams in state finals this weekend, with the only division not having a Doylestown competitor in there being the Boys D2 (since the Doylestown boys team is in D1). In U13s, Doylestown showcased some impressive skill and understanding of space. Despite playing a Montgomery County Bucks team that was a little bit bigger, the small Doylestown players were brave in contact and used good body position to handle the point of contact.
Add to that a group of kids who grew up watching older siblings play, and you've got a recipe for a skilled, cohesive team.
"We work on basic skills," said Head Coach Mark Weir. "That's the most important thing. The whole point is to make it fun and give them a grounding in the game."
Doylestown won 52-7.
Boys U15
Conestoga defeated Doylestown 33-24 in an exciting game that was a two-pointer until the very last couple of minutes, when Conestoga ran in a try to seal it.
Conestoga's cohesiveness and ability to get the ball wide was a big part of their game, and with this group soon moving onto high school rugby, the Conestoga program looks in good hands.
"We were trying to stay in the game and not let up," said Conestoga's Landon Ross. "Rugby's a quick game and it changes in a heartbeat ... it was important for us to play our game."
High School Girls
Moon Area won their semifinal and did well to get to Sunday's final but Doylestown was too much—too quick, too good at passing, and too physical throughout their lineup. Doylestown 55 Moon Area 7. Details here>>
File this under "you don't see that every day." A drop goal in open play in a Girls HS final. Nina Mason of @DoylestownRugby under pressure and just pops it over. How's that @NicHeavirland @kelteralev ? pic.twitter.com/aAK4L11lBe
— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) May 17, 2021
High School Boys D2
In a bludgeoning game between two big, powerful teams, Media held off Blackthorn 27-24. This was a back-and-forth clash in which both teams wanted to showcase their physicality. Media's defense with their backs against the wall saw them through in a game that could have gone either way.
High School Boys D1
Gregory the Great got 26 points for flyhalf Eli Zigliski and an overall intense effort by their forwards in beating Doylestown 31-5. GGA was quicker to the ball, had a superb goalkicker to punish penalties, and had very good team speed.