Aspetuck Valley Rugby’s high school level teams resulted in a draw and a crushing win last Sunday at Aspetuck Rugby Park, West Redding.
With strong running and heavy tackling by both teams it was a low scoring game for the U18 team with one Try to Darien in the first half and two to Aspetuck. Both tries were a result of the forwards commitment during the game, keeping the pressure on, the first scoring opportunity a result of a line-driving try by Tim Squance carried by the forward pack. A second ‘penalty’ try was awarded to Aspetucks Ryan Robb under the posts as a result of an ill-disciplined Darien side intentionally defending from an offside position.
Going into the second half at a one try deficit, Darien responded with a quick runaway try to level the score. Awarded a penalty in the dying minutes Aspetuck’s Lewis Grassie set up for a game winning kick only to have the ball clipped by the wind, scraping past the outside of the posts, ending the game in a draw.
Following on from a tough U18 game the U16 team, consisting of 8th, 9th and a few 10th graders, took the field. The U16 team had their first win of the season against Darien’s B side. With strong running in the backs by Alex Stillman and Drew Sennett, a convincing try was afforded the home team. Leading the forward pack, Nate Jacobson who had already played a full game for the U18 team, crashed through many defenders on a 40 yard break dragging them to the line for a well-deserved try at the end of the first half.
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Darien fought back to score in the second half putting the score at 14-7. Not convinced of their slim one try lead, Aspetuck once again applied the pressure to the Darien defensive line and managed to fault the visitors resulting in yet another penalty try for the day. After a strong restart Darien started to make some ground on the home team, when young Jacob Robb stole the ball from the ruck and trounced away for a well-deserved try. Chalking up their first win, the Aspetuck U16 team achieved a respectable 26-7 victory.
Down the road at the middle school field, Aspetuck Valley Rugby U14’s took on the imposing size of the visiting Manhattan team. Great positional play and strong attacks from both the forward pack and the backline created many opportunities, including a runaway try from newcomer Luke Davies of Weston. The unbeaten U14 team dominated another 8 try to 2 victory over the city visitors.
