Union HS remains undefeated in Rugby Oregon’s fall HS 7s competition as the teams enter into the final weekend of regular competition.

Next week will see teams play for various trophies, but right now it’s still part of league play, and Union sits 12-0,  just ahead of 10-1 Portland Pumas.

“The core of the team started playing together in Spring 2014 in their sophomore year,” said Union Coach David Curle. That group went through the Summer of 2014 and the fall of 2014 undefeated in 7s, and then undefeated in 15s this past spring.

“They all are a tight-knit team of friends on and off the pitch who have been playing together the last two years,” said Curle. “They are all great players who equally contribute to the team. They all, including the forwards, have good passing skills left and right.” 

Prop Manu Sene may be 300 pounds but he can move and has skills. 

“He is fast and aggressive,” said Curle. Hooker Andrew Sperling gets the team turnover ball, while Jake Burchett has skill and speed for a prop. Max Burchett is a nifty scrumhalf and Avery Longrie is solid at flyhalf with quick feet and good kicking skills. Chris Berry is a tall rangy center who is very elusive, while Brendon Curle has speed and stepping skills at wing. 

“Everyone tackles and they are learning to trust their defensive line and stay in position,” said Curle. “They are a pleasure to coach.”

Union will play 6-4 Newberg and 2-9-1 Oregon City on Saturday, while the Pumas have three games, against Lakeridge (5-5-1), Newberg, and West Linn (0-12). Union, the Pumas, and Aloha/Beaverton should make it to next week’s semis, but Newberg, Lincoln, Valley, Clearwater, and Lakeridge are all in a battle for that fourth semifinal spot.