On May 10, the Union Mudturtles played in the NJ Rugby State Championships at the Caven Point Athletics Complex in Jersey City. The bright sunny day quickly turned cloudy and then stormy. Playing through driving rain, 2 lightning delays, and even hail, Union defeated Morris 31-10 to capture the D1 Championship and finished the season undefeated.
After a lightning delay, just 2 minutes into the game, Union Prop Nick Costa pushed the ball in for a score and Fly Half Mike Dabulas got the conversion. Morris then moved the ball downfield on a breakaway run followed by a penalty kick to score 3 points. The Mudturtles, led by Senior co-captains Chip Mulrooney and Mike Hughes, then dominated the remainder of the first half. Union’s Jatice Wright made a great cut-back to score. Jonadony Brevette of Union also scored and Mike Dabulas made another conversion. The half ended with a defensive stand by Morris holding off Union at the try line.
Union got the ball away from Morris with strong defensive play at the start of the second half and Mike Hughes dove into the try zone. Dabulas made another conversion and then the lightning came back.
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Once back on the field after the weather delay, the teams traded possession of the ball through strong rain, wind and even hail. Morris managed to push down the field to score and complete a conversion. However, Union’s Maslin Pierre scored to seal the victory for the Mudturles. Led by Coaches Don Ross, Joe Dabulas and Will Travers, the Union Mudturtles are the U18 D1 State Champions for the third year in a row!
For more information about the Union County Mudturtles Rugby Club and current schedules, please visit http://www.mudturtlerugbyyouth.com.
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