Semifinalists Set in DIII Clubs

Sunday May 17, 2009 in Grassroots Rugby Division III Clubs

(Beaumont, Calif. in the Big Four)

 

May 17, 2009 – For the first time the USA Rugby Men’s Division III club competition will end with a Big Four – a semifinal and a final, rather than just a single championship game.

The expanded playoffs created some tight games, none more so than Danbury’s escape over Blacksburg in Sunday’s quarterfinals.

After leading 18-10 at halftime, Danbury held off a late comeback from Blacksburg to clinch a spot in the semifinals in Glendale. Blacksburg scored three unanswered tries in the game’s final 10 minutes to pull within three points near the end, but time was not on their side. At full time, the score held at 30-27 in Danbury’s favor.

 

The Connecticut club now advances to meet South Dakota team, Northern State in the semifinals. In its final West Regional match, Northern State put in an impressive 33-7 performance against Fort Worth to advance.

 

In another thrilling finish in the DIII contest, the Round of 8 match-up between Lexington and Middlesex was decided by a late penalty kick. Middlesex led 10-3 at the half, but Lexington made a strong comeback in the second half, eventually pulling ahead 18-17 at 70 minutes, following a try from flyhalf Aaron Breeck. However, less than five minutes later, Middlesex’s Jason Stefani kicked a penalty to put his team over the top 20-18, where the score held until the final blow.

 

The No. 7 seeded Middlesex next meets No. 3 seeded Beaumont in the semifinals at Infinity Park. Beaumont (Calif.) heads into the match following a convincing 37-5 victory over Wichita on Sunday.

 

RESULTS

East

Danbury 30, Blacksburg 27 - Round of 8

Middlesex 20, Lexington 18 - Round of 8

Pensacola 31, Cleveland Eastern Suburbs 29 - Consolation

Hilton Head 22, Harrisburg 8 - Consolation

 

West

Beaumont 37, Wichita 5 - Round of 8

Northern State 33, Fort Worth 7 - Round of 8

Phoenix 31, Budd Bay 5 - Consolation

Mission 31, Eagle Rock 12 – Consolation

 

NEXT UP: Men’s Club Championships – Glendale, Colo., (May 30)

Semifinal – Northern State vs. Danbury

Semifinal – Beaumont vs. Middlesex

 

- ERN and USA Rugby Reports © www.rugbynews.com

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