Tennessee High School Rugby

Siegel Wins State Rugby Championship
Siegel 31, West 24
Bowl Final
May 13th, 2007

The Siegel High School boys clinched the Tennessee High School Rugby State Bowl Championship by besting West from Knoxiville by a score of 31-24 in the championship match of the Tennessee High School Rugby State Bowl Championships. The tournament was held in Brentwood Tennessee, and sponsored by Tennessee High School Rugby. Siegel is a first year team that was split when the Muddogs divided into two teams, Oakland being the other.

The second game on Sunday proved to be as exciting as the first. The begining of the game looked to be a route as Siegel raced to a 14-0 score. The second score being a pretty play from Siegel's MVP, Thomas Demonbreun who raced to open space, dummied one pass and easily off-loaded to his hard running #12, Gage Estes for the score.

However, as was the theme of the this Championship day, West would not be denied and quickly answered with a score from solid pack play, 14-7. Sensing that they may have left the door open, Siegel turned up their pressue and Estes scored again with a quick tap penalty inside the 22. 19-7. And with only minutes remaining, West's Outside Center, Matt Johnson, scored after good ball movement and a strong cut-back run. Conversion made, 19-14, Siegel at half time.

As with the first half, both teams tried to feel each other out, both in the back line and in the forward pack. Then, after good pressure, Siegel earned a nice try from Korey Back after several phases, 24-14. And again, West would counter with two scores of their own, on from a charging run from their #13, and another from their winger, #11 Hunter Kesterson to tie the score. 24-24.

In the final minutes it looked to be any one's game. However, Siegel's MVP raced to open space again and got the ball out to his wing for a score in the corner to make it 31-24. West had one last surge in their opponents 22 but was unable to penatrate Siegel's strong defense. The whistle blew and the team from Murfreesboro was the 2007 Bowl Champions.