Following a grueling battle, the final score-line was 31-0, with the Strake Crusaders upending the Rangers. On April 22, 2023, Jesuit Rugby ventured south to Houston to take on Strake Jesuit for the championship title. Coming into the championship game, nerves were at an all-time high. Forcing the Rangers to travel far, Strake received the home-field advantage for the Varsity Cup.
First Half
The game began and Jesuit looked like a different beast from their first encounter with the Crusaders. Their passing and tackling were super solid, leading to a really physical game. After a fake maul, Junior second-row, Dylan Wachsman trucked a Strake player into the try zone, scoring and putting the Rangers into contention. The score is now 7-5.
Junior Dylan Wachsman. Credits: Mark Sullivan
After a long break from Captain Neil Lancaster and Senior Luke Selner, scrum-half, Jacob Lehman dove in for the game’s second try. Now, the Rangers were leading 10-7.
Senior Grant Peters: Credits: Mark Sullivan
Second Half
The Rangers opened up hot, with junior Chase Brown scoring opening the lead 17-0. After a great kick from the backs, the forwards mauled the Strake players, with Senior Austin Smith Scoring and making the lead now 22-7. To finish his season, Neil Lancaster found the try zone with the game’s last score. The score was now 27-14. After a scrum deep in their territory, Junior fly-half Mitch Sullivan kicked the ball out to end the game and win the Championship for the Rangers.
“God, it felt so surreal. It was such a detailed moment of bliss. After the kick, there was almost a silence and a hesitation from everyone on the field. Then, the whistle blew and elation came to occupy our minds.” – Junior Fly-Half Mitch Sullivan on the final kick.
Team celebration. Credits: Mark Sullivan
Interview with Senior Captain Neil Lancaster:
What did this season mean to you?
This season meant everything to me. It was my last time playing a competitive sport and I felt I had an important job to do. Especially when I was voted captain I felt like I represented every person on that team. That’s what is special about rugby, I feel like no matter the context it’s always about the team.
What was being a captain like?
Being a captain made me better myself, to make me play better, I carried all the expectations of my coaches and teammates with me. Specifically, I lead my teammates every practice, game, meeting for the season
What was your favorite part of it all?
I really can’t say I have a favorite part, I enjoyed the lifts, the practices, the games, winning state. I truly enjoyed it all. I am just sad it’s over, but I am glad it happened.
Seniors Jordan Mason, Neil Lancaster, Louis Traister and Junior Mitch Sullivan. Photo Credits: Mark Sullivan
It has been a pleasure playing and covering this team throughout this year. The rugby team was truly phenomenal from start to finish. Your Rangers will be back in action next year.
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more rugby coverage.
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