The Charlotte Tigers defeated the Raleigh Redhawks 41-35 Saturday to secure the top seed in the North Carolina Youth Rugby Boys HS Club playoffs.

The Tigers benefited from some solid work from twins Drius and Donovan Law, who had just been off with the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy team in the Tropical 7s.

"They came back all fired up," said Tigers Head Coach Erik Saxon. Darius, playing center on Saturday, intercepted a Redhawks pass and galloped 60 meters to secure the victory.

For Raleigh, it wasn't the end of the season, as the Redhawks now will take on a very tough Clayton team this coming weekend in the state semis. The Tigers were slated to play Chapel Hill, but the Highlanders, hit by injury, will not be able to field a full team. They forfeit, although the two teams will play a non-league match.

Junior scrumhalf George O’Brien scored three tries for the Redhawks, all of them long runs as he weaved his way through the Tigers defense. O'Brien also set up wing Ant Williams for his try, which covered 90 meters, and almost scored a fourth—that one was called back.

Wing Sincere LeCraft and No. 8 Frank Lewis also scored for the Redhawks while center Ben Watson was perfect on conversions for the day and his midfield mate Nate Roeback led the defensive effort.

Bolstering the Law brothers for Charlotte was scrumhalf Alex Paquette, who did what he needed to do on offense to run the attack, but was superb on defense, making massive tackles and also acting as a general on the field, directing his teammates where they needed to be to shore up the line.No. 8 Jarret Self, prop Josh Seabrook, and wings Donovan Law and Jason Trevino all scored tries for Charlote, while Darius Law scored two. Fullback Carson Green added a penalty and four conversions.

"The Redhawks are not only an elite team on the National stage, they are also our main in-state rival," said Saxon. "Both clubs came into this match undefeated in league play and ranked within the top 15 in the US. Add to that, a bye week in our state playoffs was the reward for the victor. Well, I think it's pretty obvious to everyone it was one heck of a match between two very motivated and sound sides. We are happy to have the win against such a quality opponent."