The highest ranked team in Colorado HS boys rugby is also one of the best teams in the country. A talented East back line created repeated overloads to break this Colorado Youth Rugby Division I league match wide open in a 59-0 win over the host Tigers Rugby Football Club. Denver East High school left no doubt about the value of their extraordinary preparation, fitness and kicking skills taught by their nationally ranked coaching staff. A tremendous effort by each individual Tiger could not prevent the A side trouble against the defending State Champions when East played together with passion. The younger B side almost caught the Angels off guard in a 41-31 loss to East’s B side. Tries were credited to Pomona HS’s AJ Shannon, and Ralston Valley students Mitchell Thunell (2) and Luke Rockwood. AJ Shannon also converted 3 of 5 kicks in the 41-31 B side loss.
Alejandro Lucero of Holy Family HS passes as Pomona's Nick Allen loops against nationally ranked Denver East
Despite the lopsided score, the Tigers’ attack was powerful, passing the try line 3 times, and coming away without points. A dropped pass in a 4 on 1 overload was also discouraging, but showed the commitment to the effort by Tigers Rugby. In addition to those four opportunities that slipped away, the Tigers were pressing East on their five meter line three additional times and witnessed Angel defensive lightning bolts arc in the opposite direction for back-breaking tries.
Holy Family's Jake Boselli and Pomona HS's All Colorado linebacker, Daijon Tyler give this Denver East HS rugby player a nice 'Howdy-Do'.
Joining together for the singing of the national anthem was a great show of mutual respect and sportsmanship. The hosts and East HS players honored 5 Tigers Rugby alumni who serve in the armed forces, including marine Mike Sadowski, currently fighting in Afghanistan.
Daniel Sargeant suffered a serious neck injury on this tackle by the Denver East Angels.
The Tigers finished the week with an 11-16-1 overall record and slipped to 2-3 in league play. Tigers Rugby now coaches players from age 5 and up. A 6 week league begins practice on May 1st for ages 5-15, go to www.tigersrugby.com for more match summaries. Call (303) 506-8110 for immediate information.
Andrew Hutchinson gets in some off season training for football by playing flanker for Tigers Rugby Football Club.
The Tigers Rugby HS age boys team will meet Chaparral and Colorado Springs before they play in the Colorado Youth Rugby Division I playoffs on May 1st.
Holy Family students Charlie Ellwood pushes as Michael Fagundo passes the ball out to the Tigers Rugby back line from a ruck.
