The Raleigh Rattlesnakes U19 Rugby Club fell behind quickly in the first half of play against the defending four time state of North Carolina State Champion Chapel Hill Highlanders U19 with a score of 22-0.
Fans watching would not believe that score in that Raleigh looked fairly dominating at times. Coach Frank Milchuck made adjustments at the half and the Snakes came out and played a great second half and held the Highlanders scoreless for the remainder of the match, while Raleigh put up a try to bring the final score 22-5.
While we never enjoy coming out on the low end of the score, the Rattlesnakes have continued to improve over the last couple of years. At this point last year the Snakes were coming up on a 4-0 record but this year’s team is just as good if not better and making progress with each match. It just so happens that the state champions live right in our back yard and we give them a great matchup every time we play. With the coaching staff presently in place, support from the Raleigh Rugby Club and the growth of the parent’s organization, it is just a matter of time before Raleigh brings home a championship.
The young Raleigh U15 Rugby Club mixed sides with the visiting Chapel Hill U15 Club to run a regulation 12 on 12 match on the upper pitch while the Venom took on Norfolk on the lower pitch. Lots of fun to see two matches going on at the same time on a sunny afternoon.
The Raleigh U15 players picked up some valuable playing time and experience and actually did well. Very proud of these young men, some as young as 11 putting it out on the line.
The Raleigh U15 players will travel to Charlotte with the U19 club and will most likely join forces with the Triad Club for the Charlotte Rugby Fest on March 13th and 14th.