Beantown’s D1 side successfully came back from a first half deficit to defeat Boston in the Atlantic North Competitive Region 3 Playoff game to move ahead to the Eastern Regional Playoffs in Charlotte. The Beantown D2 side wasn’t quite as fortunate, losing by one crummy point against Charles River to be bounced from the playoffs.
D1 vs Boston:
Boston managed some early momentum in the game, scoring a try within the first five minutes and another around the 20th minute by capitalizing on Beantown mistakes with their backs putting the points across to go up by 12 points. Most of the half was played in the Boston end, with no extended pressure by Boston in Beantown’s territory. We were within 10 meters of the try zone several times but couldn’t capitalize. The half ended with Boston in the lead by 12 points.
Beantown scored its first try about 10 minutes into the second half and again about 10 minutes later. One was a forwards’ try after some extended pressure in the Boston 22. Beantown forwards were able to march down the field with measured rucks, forcing Boston to unevenly defend our backs. The second try was a backs’ try by Alyssa after some really lovely play from quite a ways out, using a break and great support. Jones slotted in both conversions, the second being key to breaking the tie in points.
Points became harder to come by and the game was still too close through the end of the second half, keeping Boston’s individual talents in mind and their ability to break through and score. However, Beantown still held territorial and possession advantage throughout the second half, with a couple of heroic scramble defense/chasing down by the backs to keep the score as it was.
Beantown dominated scrums the whole game and happily a penalty was awarded about 10 meters out at the end of the game; Beantown chose a scrum and walked in for a last try, for a final score of 19-12!
Final score vs. Boston: 19-12
The three elimination games for the Senior Club D1 Nationals Playoffs are split into two weekends: first, quarter & semi-finals in Charlotte on the 5/30-5/31 weekend. Then, a win in Charlotte will send Beantown to Glendale, Colorado for the final game on 6/13. To help defray the costs for the players traveling and help bring home a National Championship, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
D2 vs Charles River:
Unlike in the D1 game, the Beantown D2 players spent the vast majority of the game defending against the large, tough Charles River pack and tackling, tackling, tackling players in the backs. The scoring was more balanced, trading tries in the first half (Autumn, with Rhi converting) for a halftime score of 7-5.
Another tradeoff of tries in the second half (Jackie F) put Beantown up 12-10. An exciting break down the side led to another Beantown try (Duzzi & Rhi) and the score at 19-10 until the last 10 minutes. Charles River didn’t quit and were able to put across the two tries they needed to go up by that crummy point with 3 minutes left.
Final score vs Charles River: 19-20