On the Unami Park pitch that epitomized the Mudturtle name of Union Rugby the Morris Lions played some superb rugby. Not the conditions for a free flowing or fast game the first game saw the High School Boys lose narrowly 10 – 7. However, the B side/U16’s followed with a magnificent 32 – 29 victory.  Further reward for the tremendous efforts of the boys came when Florugby published the list of top 50 US High School Club Teams with Morris Lions ranked at 41.

The first game was a hard-fought battle of two well matched teams. The Morris Lions handled the wet and muddy conditions well. In a forward dominated opening to the game Union had first opportunity to put points on the board, but missed the penalty goal attempt. The Morris forwards, in what is now becoming something of a trademark, continued to break tackles and showcase their speed and a run almost from half way opened the scoring, the try “under the sticks” converted to make it 7 – 0. As the game ebbed back and forth a single try in the corner by Union made the half time score 7 – 5. In the second half which continued with similar intensity Union scored again in the corner, unable to convert the score sat at 7 -10. For prolonged periods the Morris forwards and backs dominated but as the referee called the game seven minutes early we will never know if they would have been able to translate that to another score and the win.

The second game saw the first real opportunity for the Morris Lions U16’s to demonstrate their outright rugby skills. Having done a fabulous job in supporting the team and pushing for places in previous games it was no surprise to see them come away with the win. Thanks goes to a couple of the U16’s that stepped up to play after competing in the first game and some of the boys that played out of position to fill the team. As the B side executed the game plan, the entire team work on, they probably scored the best worked try of the season so far. Despite the conditions from a line out, great off the ball running, delightful passes at pace in the back line and straight running attracting defenders created the space out wide for a spectacular 70m try. With other scores coming across the team from a full repertoire of skills – strong runs, big hits, kicks etc. the Morris Lions deserved the victory. The performance also indicates the strength in depth and the bright future for the Morris Lions HS Boys.

Who do you play for?

Posted in Corporation, Teams, U18 Boys