PINE BANKS – In the final week of the regular NERFU season, Mystic River took on the New Haven Old Black Rugby Club.

New Haven had catapulted into 1st place in New England, winning their last five games and outscoring their opponents 242-33.

While the Mystics, coming off an embarrassing loss against Boston the week prior, needed to secure a win to put them in position to play at Pine Banks in round one of the NRU Playoffs.

Old Black came out strong, putting the Mystics on the back foot for much of the first half. But the Mystic forwards easily handled New Haven’s pick-and-go vertical style, stopping them from making the gain line.

Luke Brown, Dan Mayton, Joe Shurmaitis and Brandon Sparks all touched down for the Mystics, with flyhalf Derrick Roma converting 3 of 4 and slotting a penalty to give the Mystics a commanding 29-0 lead.

But New Haven retaliated late in the match touching down two converted tries of their own to make the final score 29-12.

This win, coupled with the Wolfhounds 24-0 shutout victory over Boston, gives the Mystics 2nd place over all in New England and home field advantage for the NRU Playoffs.