GRR: Rugby Illinois
New Trier pulled off a big result in Illinois, beating Notre Dame de la Salette in a midweek clash 22-7.
This was New Trier's opening league game and a strong showing for the school team. It was a wet day with steady rain, and ball retention was difficult, so both teams tried to keep the ball among the forwards to control it.
Three weeks remain in the term at Nelson College in New Zealand and in a weird way it also means the end of the summer break for Oliver Kirk and Max Doerfler.
The past week saw several state champions crowned in Boys HS rugby, with New York, Connecticut, and Illinois all seeing championship games.
Here's a roundup:
IllinoisGlen Ellyn ran out to a 24-7 lead and held off Notre Dame de la Salette 36-29 in the Illinois Boys D1 final.
Two of the stronger teams in Illinois faced off over the weekend and the game proved to be as close as you'd hope.
La Salette was undefeated in-state and Neuqua had lost just the one game as they traveled downstate to Georgetown, Ill.
Midweek games give us a chance to look at some of the other HS action around the country and what's coming up.
Playoffs loom in several states.
Fairfield Prep over Loudoun in Gonzaga Classic Varsity Bracket