The Morris Lions High School Boys travelled once again to the 16th Annual Carolina Ruggerfest. The event, with four games played over the first weekend in March, provides a great opportunity for some pre-season rugby. Of the twenty-one players in the squad there were a few experienced players along with graduates up from the U14’s, players new to the Morris program and a couple of complete novices. We also welcomed back to the squad a former Lion from Pittsburgh. Considering the limited amount of practice prior to traveling the team came together well and looked very good with all players performing to a high standard. Playing teams from both North and South Carolina who had more match experience this season the results didn’t go our way and the scores didn’t reflect the performance. The Morris Lions offered stiff opposition in every game, were competitive keeping scores close and improving in every game including a resounding third game victory which offered lots of positives for the future. Having witnessed the strength of the pack in scrums and at the breakdown, great handling and strong running from the backs with a robust defense and some tremendous scores there is a solid foundation to build upon for the upcoming season. The players and coaches can take a lot of learnings from the weekend in preparation for our first league fixture later in March.
In addition to the on field benefits the trip is a great success in team building, with the players spending the weekend together playing not just rugby but also competing in a Saturday ten pin bowling event. The rivalry is just as intense as the adults try to retain bragging rights by out scoring the High School Boys. The weekend is a lot of fun for the boys and the parents, which now seem traditionally to travel in bigger numbers than the players. The High School Boys and coaches appreciate the magnificent support from all and especially from our Team Manager (Andrea Matthews) in organizing the accommodation, meals and entertainment to make it such a fabulous trip. With a snow storm in NJ creating challenges for the return journey, flight cancellations and delaying the van many players and supporters arrived back a day late. Apologies, the weather is one thing we cannot organize but despite this the weekend can be considered a huge success for the Morris Lions.

Posted in Corporation, Masters, Men's, Teams, U18 Boys, Women's, Youth Teams