GRR: Rugby New York
The New York State HS finals are set for this coming weekend with three different boys divisions in action.
Pelham HS clinched a return to the Rugby NY playoffs with a 27-21 defeat of Harvey School.
Harvey actually ld 14-0 t halftime, but a change in tactics, using scrumhalf Luke Persanis to box kick and lengthen the field on Harvey. That worked nicely, and Persanis scored off a quick tap from long range, and then he slipped through for another long run to set up Sam Louman for a try.
St. Bonaventure University is hosting a high school rugby tournament this coming weekend, the Bonnies HS Boys Challenge.
Participating this weekend are four teams from Western New York: Kenmore, Orchard Park, Canisius, and Fairport.
The teams will play shortened games of 20-minute halves, with rolling subs allowed.
While Pelham HS is one of the newer faces on the high school rugby scene, they play with the experience and confidence as a team rich with tradition.
Eagle Impact Rugby Academy hosted a skills clinic this past weekend with a special visit from EIRA Head Man Salty Thompson.
The players worked on skills and decision-making in the chilly air of Pelham, NY.