By Wilson Roberts

The L-S Rugby Club is off to a solid start this season with their record standing at 4-3. Led by captains Tyler Wimberly and Johnny Rushfirth, as well as Coach Iain Ryrie, the team feels like they could be doing better.
The team got four wins against Catholic Memorial, Amoskeag County, Bishop Hendricken (RI) and Brookline. The team did lose three matches however, against St. John’s Prep (#1 in New England), BC High (#2) and Middlesex County.
The team felt that they could have beaten Middlesex, as they only lost by two and were in control for much of the game. Against BC High, the team was shorthanded due to the vacation week. Therefore it is difficult to judge how the team could have done.
Everyone on the team felt that they could have won, had it not been for a few breakaway tries, also known as touchdowns. The team feels very confident that they are one of the best in New England but also feel that they have a lot to prove.
Last year was rough on the Warriors, however this year’s team has outstanding chemistry which contributes to their self-confidence.
Many of the players have played extremely well for the Warriors thus far. John O’Connell and Steve Hodgetts, however, have stood out above the rest. O’Connell has played with no fear this season often breaking numerous tackles in a single play. This relentlessness has resulted in many tries, which for a prop, O’Connell’s position, are usually difficult to come by.
Hodgetts plays the scrum-half position which calls for him to be the leader of the team. Hodgetts is forced to make sure everyone is in the correct position and also calls the signals out to the rest of the team. He is powerful, quick, and scores tries at will.
The team has also relied on first year players to step up. Bryan Koop, a sophomore, has played well all season despite never having played the sport before. Koop attributes part of his knowledge to his friend, and world class rugby player (he is on the USA national rugby team), Sean Pike, who played for L-S last year.
Despite being out with a concussion for much of the season, Ray Bores has also stepped up and shined as one of the team’s premier hitters.
Seniors Ryan Lesko and Andrew Baldwin have come in and provided size as well as speed to the backs. They also add strength which allows them to bust open many runs for tries.
The L-S rugby team hopes to continue its strong season and also to play well at the New England tournament.