Indians’ ruggers advance to state final 8
The Unionville Boys Rugby team following Sunday’s 17-15 win over Conestoga.
WAYNE — The Unionville Boys Varsity team eliminated the reigning state champions, Conestoga High School, in the first round of the Pennsylvania State Championship playoffs.
Head coach Brian Dunbar said “The result is remarkable as UHS has been in a rebuilding year with juniors and sophomores filling more than half the starting positions on the roster.”
Said Assistant Coach Peirce: “Could not be prouder of my Unionville Rugby boys! Hard fought match to knock the reigning state champs out of the playoffs…”.
Seventh seeded Unionville High School next takes on the number two seed, West Allegheny High School on May 14 in Pittsburgh.
The game was dramatic from the start with Connor Gilden scoring first, and Joe Hagen successful in the 2-point conversion kick.
Not backing down, Conestoga responded with a score and conversion of their own, and as the first half was closing, scored a second time, but missed the critical point after kick. That ended the first half at 12-7 in Conestoga’s favor. Unionville demonstrated incredible tackling throughout the match.
Midway through the second half Conestoga extended their lead with a 3-point penalty kick. With less than 10 minutes to play Gilden and Hagen combined again to bring the score to 15-14 in Conestoga’s favor. The game continued until time ran out, as Unionville kept possession in extended time, pushing the ball to the Conestoga goal line.
A penalty gave co-captain Joe Hagen the chance at a 3 point Penalty kick, which in dramatic fashion he made, to push Unionville to a 17-15 win.
Founded in 2003, Unionville Rugby has become one of the premier youth rugby organizations in the United States. Since inception, U-Rugby has consistently competed for regional and state championships and sent countless players to collegiate rugby programs.
The varsity club fields teams at three levels, Junior (U15), High School Girls, and High School Boys (Varsity and JV).
Key to the continued success of the organization is a focus on instilling the values of teamwork, camaraderie, sportsmanship, discipline and hard work in each of our players. More information about the team and how to join us, can be found at the team’s website: www.unionvillerugby.org.
