PINE BANKS – The Mystic River Rugby Club (Northeast #1) built a strong 20-5 lead against the visiting Maryland Exiles (Mid-Atlantic #4) but the Exiles showed no quit in the second half. Two yellow card infractions left the Mystics shorthanded and the Exiles capitalized with three quick unanswered tries to take a 22-20 lead with only two minutes remaining in the game.

The Mystics were able to steal possession on the ensuing kickoff and the Exiles gave up a penalty to give the Mystics a kick for the lead… which sailed wide left of the uprights. The Exiles restarted the 22m kick, giving possession back to the Mystics who put together several phases of attack and secured yet another penalty. Given the second chance, Derrick Roma put the kick through with time expired, giving the Mystics the 23-22 win and a third consecutive trip to the USA Rugby DI National Sweet 16.

BRIDGEPORT, PA – In the second day of the CR4 Seeding Tournament, the Mystics faced the Maryland Exiles in the Championship match. The Maryland squad were able to stand up to the Mystic onslaught and keep it at bay with a 21 point lead at the half. The Mystics battled back with tries from scrumhalf Carrick Pell (2) and Bill Dow, but it wasn’t enough as the Exiles were able to take the win 48-17. Mystic No. 8 Brett Willis believes the loss “was a good wakeup call for us as we get ready to go to Austin.” Mystic River will go into the Sweet 16 as the CR4 #2 seed.