Congratulations are in order for a fantastic group of parents, siblings, coaches and most of all, Rattlesnake Rugby players on a stellar showing at the USA Rugby South Regional in Sanford, FL.
The Rattlesnakes are proud and very grateful for the support of the Raleigh Rugby Club and club members who donated funds for our trip. This really bolstered our club, our parents and players and made for a great experience for these young men.
Just a note, we came in as the number #5 seed in the south and had to play the #4 seed from Greer, SC Spartans. We won a very hard fought match (all the matches were hard fought) against Greer in overtime 10-5. Some great play at the end.
We then were matched against the #1 seed in the south with the Trojans from Marietta, GA. They had man-handled a team from Louisiana in their first match with a score of 30-0. Again, we prevailed in another tough match on a very hot, sunny Sanford, FL day with a score of 26-12.
Now onto the South Regional Championship Final against the Naples Bears from Naples, FL. This team ran the table on the #2 seed from Matthews, NC with a score of 40+ something to maybe 5. They were a very good team from the get-go. We fought hard against the Bears, the elements, the pitch, various interpretations of the bridging rules and in the end, lost this one 22-3. The game was much closer than the score.
Scores:
Raleigh Rattlesnakes 10 Greer, SC Spartans 5 (Overtime)
Raleigh Rattlesnakes 26 Marietta, GA Trojans 12
Naples, FL Bears 22 Raleigh Rattlesnakes 3
As for the scoring, suffice it to say that on each try, 14 Rattlesnakes put 1 Rattlesnake over the try line. Each and every one. What a team!
Our players never gave up and actually looked the better team in this event. We gave Naples all they wanted. We could not be prouder of a group of parents, coaches and players that have done what no other Rattlesnake team has done to date and that was to first earn a spot in the South Regional and to then make it to the Championship Final.
Competing against teams from SC, GA, and FL, the Raleigh Rattlesnakes finished as #2 in the South!
While many of our players were disappointed and naturally so, we could not be prouder. Another great leap for Raleigh Rugby and the Rattlesnakes.
Every Rattlesnake team to date has been special and this one is certainly no exception.
More rugby to play as we HOST Vance this Saturday for the state playoffs. Stay tuned for match details.
Your Rattlesnake Coaches (Frank Milchuck, John Kellerman, Brent Vaughn, Kent Jeffries, Tommy Myatt)