2001 Tennessee State Championship

May 23, 2001- During the quarterfinal rounds there were no surprises as all the top seated teams won their games. During the semi-finals Boro United displayed power rugby from hard running and solid forward play. The Fighting Irish were pre-season favorites and played very good rugby throughout the season. The Irish initially lead Boro United in the first quarter, but slowly the Boro United forward play and counterattacks took their toll. Brentwood had fielded two sides each week to allow for all (38) of their players a chance to play and to even out the league competition with 8 teams. Unfortunately they were slated to meet in the semi-final were the two teams merged.

THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP was played in a great atmosphere. In the first quarter both teams let nerves effect their play. By the second quarter Referee Jerry McLemore had things settled down; however, neither team could sustain pressure. The defenses were better than the offensive ability to go forward. Boro United got on the board first when Colby Wright hit a penalty kick. Brentwood answered in the third quarter when Luke Woods hit a penalty kick to even the score. Minutes later the Boro United tenacity and determination appeared as they put heavy pressure on the Brentwood line until finally Tournament MVP Josh Peay found running space and bulled his way in for the game's only try. Colby Wright added the conversion. For the remainder of the game both teams played more open and several other opportunities to score were somehow shut down. Brentwood had possession several times inside the five-meter area, but could not find a way through. It was an outstanding effort by both teams and truly a "Grand Finale" to the end of a great 2001 Inaugural Season.

2001 PLAYER HONORS

2001 ALL-STATE TEAM