The 2015 Rugby season has come to a close after this past weekend.  The East Varsity team faced Snow Canyon in the semifinal.  Snow Canyon got out to an early start against the Leopards.   East didn’t get on the score board until later in the first half when Sione Mafua plowed through the Snow Canyon defense and across the try line.  Just before the half Fusi Tesina scored in the corner.  The half time score would be East 12 Snow Canyon 34.  The second half was better for the Leopards but the 22 point deficit would be too hard to overcome.  Nate Asper scored a try in the second half and also went 3/3 on his conversion kicks.  Jake Kimball scored the last try of the game on the final play.  The final score would be East 26 Snow Canyon 46.  Snow Canyon would eventually beat Herriman in the State Championship the following day 16 to 15.  It was a great 3rd season for the East Rugby team earning its second appearance in the semifinal.  The program is continuing to be established and we look forward to continued success in the coming years

The close of the 2015 regular season took place this past weekend.  East played 3 games.  The varsity Match was against West Jordan, the JV match was against Highland JV and the 9/10 Match was against Genesis, a club team from south Utah County.  A win over West Jordan would secure Easts spot as the second place finisher in the Bonneville conference which would guarantee a spot in the playoffs.  The game was a grind and it was really a must win situation for both teams.  The West Jordan was a big and strong team.  The opportunity for East would be to get the ball outside.  The first score came from Inoke Makoni inserting as the Fullback as the ball went out through the back line.  A few minutes later West Jordan scored tying up the game 5 to 5.  East closed the half with one more score.  Fa Toli crossed the ball over the try line but the play was set up by Halani Utuone and Jake Kimball finding gaps in the West Jordan defensive line.  The score was 10 to 5 at half for East.

The battle continued during the second half.  West Jordan tied the game early in the half.  Moments later Inoke Makoni scored for his second time on the day running support from the other backs.  With about 10 minutes left in the match West Jordan would score tying the game 15 to 15.  West Jordan was putting pressure on East deep in East’s territory.  With about 5 minutes left in the game East had a scrum at their own 15 meter line.  Off of the scrum #9 Nate Asper took the ball and went to the weak side.  He broke a tackle and sprinted down the sideline.  The defender met Nate in the corner but it was too late, the ball was touched down for the go ahead score and the eventual game winner.  It was a great team effort by East for a much needed win.  Hopefully a little boost and a little bit of momentum going into the playoffs.  The JV team lost to the Highland JV team but it provided some valuable game experience for the East players.