SALEM, MA – Arlington Rugby Club started the day with cool overcast conditions at Witch City 7s this weekend with a win from the U10s over Worcester and the U14s getting their first of the day’s three wins against hosts North Shore (40-7).
With just seven players to last them the day, the U10s kept the successful run going, notching their second win of the day before falling just shy of third, falling to their friends from Malden in an excitingly close match. The loss would send the Mystics into the Championships while Arlington would have to settle for a shot at 3rd. In the third place final, the tired seven U10s dug deep, ultimately claiming a third place finish.
Meanwhile in the tackle division, Arlington’s U14s played some of their best rugby of the summer thus far, putting some great plays together to notch their second win against the Wrentham Barbarians side 40-28. But as the day wore on, the heat and injury began to take its toll and Arlington would go on to face a very physical NERC side to round out the pool round. The back and forth match up remained close to the end, with Arlington breaking the stalemate in the dying moments with a penalty try in the corner to take the match 28-21, earning themselves a well earned trip to the finals against tournament powerhouse and eventual winners, the South Shore Sharks. 8th grader Neil Gribben led the team with an impressive 61 points (9T, 8C) followed by John O’Connor with 38 points (6T, 4C) of his own, while rookie Mikael Anyouzoa added his first ever try to the days tally. In the girls only friendly, Rose Winter touched down two tries for her side.
It was another great day for Arlington and youth rugby as a whole, not only because of the scoreboard, but most importantly, from flag to tackle, the players are starting to come together, improving their skills and becoming better rugby players as they move deeper into the season. This should make for some fantastic showdowns come Bay State Games!
Congratulations to all the tournament flag and tackle finalists. Thank you to North Shore for hosting a great event, to all teams who competed (win or lose) and put in the hard work, and to those who jumped in to have a run with us when we were down.