Day One of the Buckeye Invitational is in the books with North Carolina among the girls, and Celtic Elite, Atlantis, and Aviators showing well among the boys.

The Game of the Day was probably Atlantis (making its debut as a 15s program) against the Ohio Aviators U19s. Both teams had looked impressive in their opening wins and this game was back and forth. Atlantis took an early lead and looked impressive. But the outside speed of the Aviators, led by center Mychal Andrews, who was very quick, and with the power of the likes of Dom Gigliotti at No. 8 and prop Deacon Billy in the forwards, the Aviators were able to eke out a 16-14 win.

Still Atlantis looked strong and could certainly make it to the final. Center and captain Justin Kaplan was a handful, while scrumhalf Roman Cammarata was smart at the base of the breakdown and set the tempo in their dominant win over Pittsburgh. Lock Jack Olivo got a ton of work done, as did flanker Marco Burns. They will, however, have to get by a pretty snappy Celtic Elite team that beat North Carolina and Aviators U17s in impressive fashion. Mark French was outstanding at scrumhalf, scoring two tries over NCYRU and Jimmy Collins was excellent at fullback countering kicks, slotting in as an extra attacker, and kicking for goal.

Flanker Paddy Andrews, lock Bryce Keller, and hooker Luke Dotson led a good forward effort. All of this was too much for the younger Aviators in the second game. Aviator scrumhalf Harrison White was a pest in the breakdown, lurking around the tackle area and forcing turnovers. He also provided good service for the Aviator attackers, but the Celtic team was older, stronger, and organized well to stymie some scoring chances.

Celtic Elite Rugby looking good at @RugbyOhio Buckeye Invitational pic.twitter.com/95H6MBTqGl

— Alex Goff (@goffrugbyreport) June 16, 2024