The East High Rugby team was in action this past weekend against Brighton High school.  East is beginning its third year as a program and Brighton is in its first even though both schools have had many students play rugby over the years.  This last weekend’s game was a conference game with playoff implications.  East started on the right foot with the first score of the match, a nice pick and go from Sione Mafua from about 20 meters out.  A few minutes later Brighton was pinned deep in their territory and kicked the ball downfield to clear space.  Hank Seninger caught the ball and began the counter attack which means getting the ball from one side to the other as fast as possible.  With a pass to Lorenzo Manu and another pass to Kimo Mahina, the Leopards scored again from 40 meters out.  Brighton kept themselves in the game with a score.  The last score of the first half came with great open play from the forwards and backs with the ball eventually getting to Kimo Mahina on the edge for the score.  The first half would end with the score East 19 Brighton 12

The second half resumed and East got on the board first with a great open field run by Hene Tuamoheloa setting up another score for Sione Mafua.  Brighton would answer making the score East 24 Brighton 19.  East would work the ball again into Brighton territory.  The Leopards would score again with inside center Christian Folau breaking his way into the try zone.  Brighton would answer again making the score East 31 Brighton 24.  With about 10 minutes left in the game Brighton had a scrum deep in their own territory.  The ball didn’t bounce their way and flanker Abe Kimball was in the right place at the right time to get the ball and score from about 5 meters out.  The game concluded with a final score East 38 Brighton 24.  “Brighton was a great opponent, on paper they are a first year team but they had some experienced players” said Forwards coach Mike Kimball.  “We are proud of the way our guys played.  Today was a good test to see where we are and what we need to do to get better” 

Following the Varsity match, the East JV team played Alta’s Varsity team.  It was another great opportunity for the players to get some game experience.  The final result was 35 to 10 for East.  6 Different players scored in the game, Laseni Folau (2), Fusi Teisina, Sima Salt, Fa Toli, Viliami Tausinga, and Helaman Suesue.  It was a great effort by everyone who played.

This week East will host 3 games at 1700 south park.  1700 South park is located at 1150 West and 1700 South in Salt Lake City.  At 11:00 the Freshman and Sophomores will play against Wasatch (Heber) freshman and sophomore team.  At 12:30 the varsity will play against Wasatch’s varsity team.  At 2:00 the East JV team will square off against the Box Elder varsity team.  We would like to thank all of those that came to the games this past weekend.  If you missed come check us out this weekend