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Orlando Lays Down Marker in Florida Opener

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Orlando Lays Down Marker in Florida Opener

The Florida Youth Rugby Boys DI HS league got off to s solid start this weekend with four games.

Orlando defeated Naples in an early clash of contenders.

Orlando certainly looked the more experienced of the two teams, and ran out to a 29-3 halftime lead. That, in fact, ended up being the official score as both teams agreed to switch to development mode for the second half. Orlando scored three tries to none in the second period. Head Coach Chris Quigley was happy with the win, but wanted to see more.

“The backline had a lot of dropped balls and knock-ons,” he said. “Our forwards played well in open play, and our support and offload game was pretty good until they got a bit tired. But fitness is a huge concern for me.”

Quigley added that unity, body height in the scrums, and power in set piece all need to improve.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Krewe got off to an impressive start with a 20-7 defeat of Key Biscayne, scoring four unconverted tries in the process. Jupiter defeated the Cape Pirates, while Riviera Beach won a close one over Daytona 17-12.

RBMA recorded their game in five parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

 

Atop the league after downing one of Florida's strongest programs, Orlando, which finished 5th among HS club teams in the 2015 Boys NIT championship, beating South Doyle along the way, could well be looking at another big season.

"We have a great opportunity in front of us," said Quigley. "It will take a lot of hard work and dedication by the boys and staff.  We must work harder than ever before. We will need to continue to believe in the process. This year will be the most competitive year yet. The Florida Union and Evan Haigh is to be commended at their approach to get the best teams playing each other. You have exceptional teams with some great coaching. From top to bottom it is going to be a real tough season."