Liberty will meet Budd Bay in the Rugby Washington DI Boys final after both won their semifinals on Saturday.

It was a difficult victory for Liberty, as they were held to only 17 points by Eastside. But it was enough, as the Patriots prevailed 17-13. 

Meanwhile, Budd Bay avenged their home loss to Kent a couple of weeks ago by beating the Crusaders 36-28. In the previous game, Budd Bay scored seven tries, but failed to convert a single one as both of the team’s goalkickers were unavailable. That wasn’t the case this weekend, as Lui Sitama was back at fullback and converted three of six tries to help secure the win.

Budd Bay Head Coach Trevor Anderson acknowledged Sitamas open field play, as well.

“It was his counter-attacking abilities that Kent had trouble with,” said Anderson. “Lui is an aggressive ballcarrier who breaks most tackles.”

Sitama powered over for one try and set up Uli Togiola for two. 

“Uli is playing well and finishing off a lot of tries for us right now,” said Anderson. “Isaiah Bird continues to be a rock at No. 8 - strong upfield carries, uncanny speed for a big man, pressure-type defender who can hit hard and create turnovers.”

Kent competed, as they always do.

“Jeremy Torres is doing a great job with his guys,” said Anderson. “They don't go away. They compete to the finish line. [This game] was no different.”

For Budd Bay, discipline has a big contributor to their victory.

“We were able to reduce our penalty count from previous match,” said Anderson. “We did much better at staying onsides, and we got support the point of contact on our feet. We were just cleaner this match. Our structure is starting to come together. We tell the boys, we’ve got to earn that right to go wide. Our forwards are extending phases, doing extra work to set the table for our backs. And the backs are answering the call. It’s a good balance.”

It’s showing in their offense, which is averaging over 35 points a game over the last three matches.

“We are healthy. We are more focused. We are more confident and assertive than the first half of season,” said Anderson.

And Budd Bay has reason to think they might have a shot at the state title. They are the only team to beat Liberty this year, and their loss to the Patriots was only by three points.

Next week’s final promises to be an interesting one.