This past Saturday East squared off against the Highland Rams.  Highland entered the match 2-0 in conference play and 3-2 overall.  East entered the match 0-2 in conference play with a 1-3 overall record.  East started the match kicking off to Highland.  About 10 minutes in to the match Highland scored first.  The conversion was missed.  Moments later Highland scored for the second time.  With the successful conversion Highland took an early lead 12 to 0.  It was looking like it was going to be a challenging afternoon for the  Leopards however Ula Toluta’u answered with a score on East’s next possession.  Nate Asper made the successful conversion.  As play continued, East was awarded a scrum at the midfield line.  Jesse Afuvai took the ball from the back of the scrum and romped for 40 meters putting the Leopards in striking distance.  After a couple of phases Jesse Afuvai scored a try.  With another successful Asper conversion, the Leopards took the lead 14 to 12.  It looked like East was going to take the lead into the half but Highland scored just before the half ended making the score 17 to 14.

East bounced back to resume play in the second half.  East was stuck back in their own territory.  Joe Tukuafu kicked to clear the ball away.  The ball ended up in the Highland goal and Joe Tukuafu with a great chase touched the ball down in goal for the score.   The Asper conversion was missed.  The Leopards regained the lead 19 to 17.  About 10 minutes later after great play by both sides, Highland scored their final try of the match.  With the conversion good Highland took the lead 24 to 19.  The clock was ticking and East had to answer.  East was successful in moving the ball down the field but just could not score.  They played tough defense.  Time was running out and so were the opportunities to score.  With about 3 minutes left East took the ball from about 70 meters out.  Joe Tukuafu and Ula Toluta’u worked their magic on a cut and Ula broke into the open.  Breaking 3 tackles he took the ball in for the score at the far sideline.  The score was now tied Highland 24 East 24.  The 40 meter conversion attempt was missed and the game ended in a tie.  “It was a hard fought contest on both sides and each team had their chances.  It was a good hard fought clean game of rugby” said coach Michael Kimball.

There will be no games this weekend because of Spring Break.  The last regular season game will be Saturday April 26, 2014 at 2:00 at Sugar House Park.  If you have not seen the Leopards play yet, come check out this game.  With an East victory, the Leopards will have an opportunity to make the playoffs.