On 5/22/2021, Mystic River Rugby Club’s Premier side traveled to play the Houston Sabercats’ Academy Team, Rugby HTX. Mystic entered the match undefeated but knew they were facing a physical opponent.
Mystic River kicked off and retained possession, and after a few penalties the co-captain connection put Mystic up 5-0, as center Adnan Kawuma popped an inside ball to lock Cody Davidowicz. Rugby HTX responded with 12 points by way of two tries, but Mystic was determined to close the deficit. Nearing HTX’s try line, Davidowicz made a great pass to fullback Nick Fujiwara who set up wing Vini Daley in the corner, untouched. With the score 10-12 at half, Mystic had more work to be done.
Mystic defended their own territory for the first 10 minutes of the second half but kept HTX from scoring. With roughly 20 minutes remaining, an HTX penalty gave scrumhalf Darren Chan the chance to split the uprights and regather a Mystic lead. Up 13-12, Mystic pinned the ball deep in HTX territory and the forwards grinded away up front until Kawuma picked off the base of the ruck to dive across and make it 18-12. With almost no time left, HTX scored right under the posts but missed the conversion, giving Mystic the victory, 18-17.
Mystic’s Man of the Match was lock Jon Fonvielle whose defensive prowess set the tone all day, firing off the line, tackling everything in sight. He also ran superb support lines and constantly helped Mystic secure possession, especially in breakdown and contact areas.
Thank you to all of the young, old, new, and original Mystics that supported the club in Houston throughout the weekend. Thank you all for representing the family that is Mystic River Rugby Club.
This Saturday, 5/29, Mystic River’s Premier & Developmental sides play matches against the Connecticut Selects and the New England Independents U23, respectively. The matches will be played at Union Point Sports Complex in Weymouth as curtain raisers to the New England Free Jacks’ home match against the Toronto Arrows, which starts at 4:00pm ET.
Come down to Union Point and join the rest of The Flock for Mystic’s first match at 11:00am ET!
Saturday, 5/29 @ Union Point Sports Complex, Weymouth, MA:
11:00am ET – Mystic Developmental vs. New England Independents U-23
1:00pm ET – Mystic Premier vs. CT Selects
4:00pm ET – New England Free Jacks vs. Toronto Arrows (tickets required…details to follow)
GO BLUE!!
#TogetherWeFly