The Illinois Tornados and Wisconsin Badgers select sides met this past weekend in Cedar Grove, Wisc. for the Cody Cup.

Wisconsin's U17s took an impressive 43-14 victory over Illinois, while the Tornados won the U19 game, beating Wisconsin 31-21.

Illinois led 12-0 at halftime of the U19 game only to see the Badgers storm back to take the lead 14-12. The momentum shifted once more with Illinois scoring three tries to lead 31-14 and hold on 31-21.

Brother Rice flanker Brendan Ryan scored two tries on the day, with prop Carter McAlilly, also from Brother Rice, scoring the go-ahead try that made it 19-14. Center Eddie Mika (Glen Ellyn), and Neuqua No. 8 Nolan LeBreck also scored tries for Illinois.

Glen Ellyn scrumhalf Jack McGurk captained the Tornado U19s and he partnered well with Neuqua flyhalf Brandon Eng, who set up the opening try and also made a massive and key tackle near the end of the first half. That try was something of a wild one. Illinois received a penalty deep in their own 22. Eng tapped quickly and cut through the Wisconsin defenders. He raced on for about 75 meters before floating a pass inside to Mika, who caught it on the bounce and was in under the posts.

Brother Rice lock Matt Kramer was an important part of the Illinois forward effort.