The Chapel Hill Highlanders opened up their defense of the North Carolina HS club championship with a 42-5 defeat of Clayton.

After a slow start and only leading 5-0 at halftime, the Highlanders opened up their style of play and eased to victory scoring a total of seven tries. Standout performances from Ian Hirsch jumping in the lineout, and Manny Seyon's aggressive throughout the game, helped the Highlanders to victory

“It is fantastic to see so many high school age kids taking to the game of rugby," said Chapel High Coach Gavin Cook, whose B teams also won on Friday night. "It was a great contest today and Clayton should be recognized for what they doing to build the game from grassroots. The commitment from their players, coaches, supporters and community will mean that they will become a real rugby force in the area in the not too distant future.”

Hirsch, who plays flanker, was superb in the set piece and stole several of Clayton's lineout throws. Hooker Manny Seyon had a big impact, covering the field like a flanker and defending solidly while also showing the pace that made coaches put him on the wing last year. No. 8 Ben Austin and wing Dewan Roets were a handful with the ball in hand.