Rye High School’s boys rugby team hit a high note this week by beating its nationally ranked rival, Greenwich High.
Tuesday’s away game had been much-anticipated, as Greenwich was ranked 17th nationally and Rye was 21st before the Garnets’ 12-7 victory. “They have a great program,” Rye Coach James O’Hara said. “They’ve been around a long time, and are very successful and confident. However, we’re the new challenger for teams like Greenwich.”
Last year’s Rye vs. Greenwich match had also been close. The Garnets were ahead at halftime but, ultimately, the red-card expulsion of a Rye player gave Greenwich the opportunities needed to secure a win.
This year’s Greenwich game had taken on added importance for the Garnets because of their recent loss to Xavier High School — by a lopsided score of 31-0. Flood warnings along Blind Brook on game day had forced the teams to move the match from Rye’s home field to Harrison High’s. That said, Xavier is ranked second nationally and had already played eight more games than Rye had at the time.
Garnets boys rugby team now has 3 wins and the 1 loss so far this season.
This spring, rugby is offering team members more than just competition on the field: Later this month, rugby players from Shawnigan Lake School in Vancouver, British Columbia, will pass through town to play a game and stay overnight with Rye players in their homes.
As part of a tour of the U.S. East Coast, the Canadian players will play Rye and visit with Rye families for two nights. In return, Shawnigan’s rugby team has offered to host the Garnets next year in British Columbia, much to the delight of Rye’s rugby players.
