Rugby NorCal and Colorado looked very impressive in the Boys U19 bracket of the Great Northwest Classic. 

But there was plenty of drama late for the Grizzlies as they had to dig deep to beat a very exciting Utah side.

Here’s how it all shook down.

Pool C

Western Washington brought some powerful runners and a little electricity to the competition, but they were put under pressure by TOA early in their opener. 

Washington was able to put speedy winger Joeli Cava Bainivalu through for a try early on and flanker and captain Seamus Twohey led by example and scored a key try. TOA responded with a brilliant try from Leo Esikia, but a superb kick-chase from Bainivalu sealed it 26-14 for Washington Selects.

Washington blew through a tough Arizona side 52-3 to go 2-0. Rylan Reinebach scored two tries and Marek Wright did also, while Bainivalu scored his third of the day in that win, as Washington won their pool 2-0.

Pool B

Colorado looked quite polished in their opening salvo, which was against Iowa. The Iowa side was really state champs Bondurrent-Farrar, and remember Iowa’s competition is 7s, not 15s. So this squad, along with one player from another team, spent several weeks learning 15s and applying those lessons. 

When they played open and moved the ball they looked much more comfortable, and while Iowa embraced contact, the little nuances of forward play were more on Colorado's side.

Colorado played well tight, and punished penalties with a lineout-and-maul that led to tries from the likes of prop Zay Amaro and lock McKale Whedon. Scrumhalf Luke Richard was snappy in a big win for Colorado.

Iowa learned a ton from that game and exploded for a 36-5 win over Oregon with two tries from scrumhalf Gavin Vroegh.

Colorado won comfortably over NorCal’s development team (Northern California took two teams for each 15-a-side bracket at the GNC) to go 2-0.