Rainier Highlanders over Camas in Cross-Border Matchup
Rainier Highlanders over Camas in Cross-Border Matchup
Washington's Rainier Highlanders recorded a nicely-taken win over Camas, one of the top teams from Oregon.
Both teams came out looking for a physical edge in the match, but Rainier were able to score two tries at the 11th and 14th minutes to grab early control of the match.
The first came from some good phase play in close, ending with hooker La'au Maka going over. The second try came out wide as center Sio Hefa used his elusiveness to weave through a slowly shifting defense.
Down 12-0 Camas responded, showing a bit more confidence in their pattern and going in under the posts.
That made it 12-7 at halftime.
Rainier started the second half ramping up their defensive effort. That allowed Highlanders center Ikuna Muasika to burst through and intercept a pass to take in under the sticks. That made it 19-7 just two minutes into the second period.
Camas fought back and put Rainier under pressure but were unable to close the gap.
"They have a very powerful team that will likely challenge for the Oregon title this season," said Rainier Coach Angelo Del Vecchio.
Rainier withstood the attack and Maka then scored his second of the day to cap off the game 26-7.
"It was a pleasurable day of rugby—plenty of positive, wide-open play with a little bit of everything," said Del Vecchio. "It's unfortunate these teams aren't in the same division as it would likely be a wonderful playoff match each season."