Two years ago in Salt Lake City, Genesis (MS #11) and East High (SS #29) clashed for the first time on the rugby field.  That day a major rivalry was born with the latest chapter unfolding on Saturday.  Both teams knew coming in to this one that it would be a close, hard-hitting contest and that’s exactly what it ended up being.  In the end, Genesis was able to prevail 19-17.  

The scoring got started late in the first half when senior Fullback Vili Wolfgramm took the ball from 35-meters out and sucked in an extra defender with a dummy-pass.  This allowed enough daylight for Wolfgramm to switch directions into the gap and run it in under the posts.  After the restart East was able to get the ball due to a ruck infraction by Genesis and this allowed East to get on the front foot.  East’s forward pack continually gouged the Genesis defense for some major gains in territory.  Just as the tide seemed to be turning in the favor of East, junior Flanker Owen Huff poached a ruck ball and gained 25-meters back into East territory.  

At that point the game slowed down with the ball changing hands several times from turnovers and knock-ons.  Finally just prior to the end of the first half, senior Eight-Man Zack Mower broke through the East line for a 30-meter individual-effort try in the corner.  After the missed the conversion the halftime score was 12-0. 

The second half started with a reinvigorated East side.  Using mostly their forwards who broke one tackle after another, they took the ball half the length of the field and touched it down for a corner-try to make the score 12-5.  After the restart kick, East continued with the forward-smash strategy that had brought them back into the game.  However, a crucial knock-on gave Genesis the ball back through a scrum and they were back in business.  After a few phases of forward-ball, the pass went wide to senior Wing Payton Kelepolo who broke several tackles and avoided several others to score the try right by the posts.  The converted try brought the score to 19-5.  

With time ticking away East came out fighting like lions.  Using their huge forward pack they were able to score yet another try to bring the score to 19-10.  After receiving the restart kick, their backs finally got involved and they were able to take it almost the entire length of the field for a try under the posts that was converted.  Then confusion ensued.  The referee incorrectly announced to the teams that the score was tied.  After conferring with both coaches, the error was corrected and the score was confirmed as 19-17.  Although both teams fought fiercely to gain any advantage in the game’s final few minutes, neither team scored again.  

“All of the boys from both teams played their hearts out today.  East’s forwards did a lot of damage to our defensive lines but we were able to hold on for the win.  These kinds of games build character and I am glad that we got the win.  Still lots of work to do,” said Genesis Head Coach Tuli Vaitohi.  

Next week Genesis hosts Provo Steelers Rugby Club as they approach the mid-way point of the Utah Youth Rugby regular season.