Overtime Thriller in Girls HS Club Final
Overtime Thriller in Girls HS Club Final
Belmont Shore and Majestics showcased some serious skill throughout Friday and Saturday at the Girls HS Club National Championships.
Belmont Shore looked dominant in winning both of their preliminary games via shutout. But Majestics took an early lead on a breakout from their pwn 22, and then when Shore's restart didn't go 10 meters, they attacked from the scrum at the center of the field. Running a switch move Majestics broke through again. With the conversion the Utah club led 12-0 less than 10 minutes in.
Some structured play and shifty running put Belmont Shore in under the posts, just a few minutes later some snappy ball movement saw Shore over in the corner. That made it 12-12.
In the 23rd minute Belmont Shore broke through and soon were crashing against the line, only for Majestics to stop them and, eventually, get a penalty. But they failed to relieve the pressure and soon Shore was sending the ball through the hands to score.
Majestics answered with some powerful running through contact, and in fact the teams went into halftime tied 17-17.
In a second half where things tightened up, Shore broke through at 50 minutes; led by Mila Lolesio-Pua, Sydney Rae Pua, and Khalea Pahulu, Belmont Shore found space and were in to take a 24-17 lead.
Majestics threatened after that but Belmont Shore's defense held them through a long series of phases. But the Utah side did finally get over the line. Their defense pinned Shore in their 22, forced a scrum, and they scored off an eightman pick. Conversions good, and it was 24-24.
There was time for the restart, and when Shore's kick didn't go 10 meters, Majestics had a chance to attack and win the final. They surged into the Shore half but when Belmont Shore forced a knock-on, that was the end of full time.
The games at Nationals are 60 minutes just for this eventuality—this leaves 10 minutes for OT. Belmont Shore began the overtime on the front foot and surged down into the Majestics 22. Majestics survived only to to gibe up a scrum in their half. Shore sent it wide and sliced through for a try and, crucially, the conversions.
That made it 31-24. Majestics continued to threaten, using quick ball and just feeding the first runner available. Shore continued to defend but Majestics were patient and scored on a pick-and-dive. But the try was scored on the left side and that made the conversion from a tough angle. No good ... score Belmont Shore 31 and Majestics 29.
Majestics received the restart and knew now there was little time to finish the comeback. Belmont Shore once again made it difficult for them and forced a holding-on penalty. They tapped and kicked to touch to end the game.
These two teams were overwhelmingly skilled and fast. They produced a thriller of a final.
San Mateo beat United and Rockford beat the Chicago Valkyries in the placement games.
