Fort Hunt put in a team at the South RCT in Tenessee and took the Tier 2 bracket against some well-regarded select sides.

The Tennessee Regional Cup Tournament in Murfreesboro was an outstanding success for teams from as from as far away as Florida to Ohio to Virginia. Held on the Campus of Middle Tennessee State University, the athletic facilities were top-notch and the tournament was well organized by the local Tennessee rugby community. In the Tier 2 tournament teams competed in pool play on Saturday. 

In their first match Fort Hunt defeated South Carolina showing speed and power. In the second match Fort Hunt played a physical Ohio side but won through excellent tactical kicking from, #10 Hunter White, and by sticking to its defensive and offensive structures. 

“This is the start that we wanted," said coach Scotty Lang after the first days action. "This tournament has been a season long goal for us. It provided a focal point for everything we did.”

As Championship play began on Sunday, Fort Hunt played the Florida Jaguares. Like they had most of the year, Fort Hunt scored first and steadily built upon the lead. All season Fort Hunt’s ability to build early lads in many of its games has allowed the team to play many players and reserves on a weekly basis. 

In the end Fort Hunt defeated Florida Jaguares 24-5. In the other semifinal the North Carolina All-stars defeated the Charlotte All-stars 26 – 12. The stage was set for the North Carolina All-stars to play Fort Hunt. 

The championship game was characterized by Fort Hunt’s solid defense and strong tackling. Both teams played well but Fort Hunt scored early and worked to score more while the defense held. In the end Fort Hunt won a strong game 24 – 0.

“The players worked really hard for this outcome," said Lang. "Hopefully, the boys take away the lessons learned this season and apply them outside of rugby.”

Hooker Liam Malloy, also the Fort Hunt captain, was a unanimous pick for tournament MVP. Coach Jared Nugent agreed with the selection, saying: “he played every minute of every game and left nothing on the field. His play was near perfect and his leadership was felt on and off the field.”

The success of Fort Hunt in these select tournaments highlights how the RCTs can be an effective and welcome competition for JV squads at the end of the spring. The unity of purpose of the Fort Hunt team shows they can play with compilation sides.

RESULTS:

Saturday – Pool Play

Fort Hunt 60 v South Carolina 0

Fort Hunt 37 v Central Ohio 5

Sunday - Championship Play

Semi-final: Fort Hunt 29 v Florida Jaguares5

Final: Fort Hunt 24 v North Carolina All Stars 0