Charlotte Catholic defeated rivals Union County 28-10 Friday night to move to 6-0 i the Mid-South Independent Rugby League, and and 8-0 in North Carolina's Open league.

Catholic is in excellent shape now to win the MSIRL, and after dropping Union County to 7-1 in North Carolina (as well as 7-1 in the MSIRL), they are in good shape to be 1st in the regular season, too.

The game saw many penalties on both sides of the ball, but the key for Catholic was that they held solid on several goalline stands, making the Lions work for their points and holding them out despite a determined Union County attack.

Flyhalf Greg O'Shields scored a try - less than his usual haul - and set up several others. Jack Lowe was perfect on his conversion kicks despite the wind, and that gave Catholic full value for their tries.

"It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done," said Catholic Coach Ian Mueller.