Varsity recap, April 1, 2023: Titans Clash as Eastside Lions Tame Rainier Highlanders

by Jonny Chambers (father to Eastside Lions varsity players Lewis and Joseph)

Beneath ominous clouds that then gave way to glorious sunshine, two mighty rivals - the Rainier Highlanders and the Eastside Lions - locked horns in a celestial battle for rugby supremacy at Highland Middle School. The gods of thunder themselves appeared to descend onto the field, and the crowd was left breathless by the titanic struggle before them.

The Highlanders and Lions, both unbeaten in their regular season and dominating their competition thus far, came together in an epic confrontation that sent shockwaves through the cosmos. The intense attacking play from both sides, with robust hit after hit, bent space and time itself.

For much of the first half, the score remained locked at 0-0, as the rugby titans engaged in a relentless battle of wills. Then, like a bolt from the blue, a quick tap from a free kick to Eastside saw the ball fly to the wing, where Brady McHugh, the fleet-footed hooker, touched down. The Lions’ Kieran O'Meara, the marksman, slotted the conversion to close the first act at 7-0.

When the spectacle resumed, the intensity of the contest remained undiminished. Possession ebbed and flowed between the two sides, but the Highlanders were unable to convert their share into breaks or scores. Twelve minutes into the second half, a well-worked maul from Rainier #22 broke through, and the ball was spun out to Lewis Chambers, who pirouetted his way over the try line for another converted try. The battle raged, with our Lions dominating in scrums while the Highlanders held sway in the lineouts.

Towards the end of the second act, indiscipline from the Highlanders led to a penalty awarded 5 meters out. Kieran, a cunning opportunist, took a quick penalty tap and charged through the fray to dot the ball down under the posts for the final converted try.

And so, the dust settled… the final score stood at 21-0 in favor of the Eastside Lions. Yet, the scoreline did not truly represent the fierce competitiveness that had unfolded on the battlefield.

Throughout the contest, both sides were tested by bouts of indiscipline, but Referee Clavin, the wise and impartial arbiter, did well to prevent tempers from boiling over. The crowd, thoroughly entertained by the clash of these two mighty forces, eagerly anticipates the rematch later in the season.

Prepare yourselves, rugby fans, for round two of this legendary showdown, as the Rainier Highlanders and Eastside Lions continue their cosmic struggle for the mantle of ultimate supremacy and a potential state championship!

Photo credit: Loren Barton

Notable news

Seattle Seawolves' Run with the Pack.

Coach Christian has donated two free spots to one of the upcoming Seawolves Run with the Pack events, at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. 

The events are on April 8, from 2:30-3:30pm, and again on June 11, and are open to boys and girls, grades 1-8. This is a great opportunity for young athletes to meet Seawolves players and other youth rugby athletes, as well as learn some new skills.  

Participants will receive a ticket to the Seawolves' match immediately following each Run with the Pack, along with a commemorative T-shirt, and a meet-and-greet with the Seawolves. 

This is a first-come, first-served opportunity and always makes for a memorable day for participants. Parents wanting to attend the Seawolves game would need to purchase their own tickets. April 8 is Kids' Night at the Seawolves game, with an egg hunt at halftime, face painting and photo booth with Seawolves players, autograph opportunities. And each youth attendee will receive a free mini ball! 

Please reach out to Debbie Chambers, Club Treasurer with interest. 

To learn more, check out the Seawolves' post here.   

Rugby Splash Camp

Kirkland Parks & Rec Summer Camp 2023. 

Several of our Lions coaches were instrumental in designing a new youth summer rugby camp with Kirkland Parks and Recreation. This year’s Rugby Splash Camp will be offered for 6–12-year-olds and promises, “Using the sport of rugby (non-contact), children will develop key athletic skills and a foundation for team sports that will benefit them in any sport they choose in the future. Through the use of fun games, participants will learn catching and passing, evasive running and defensive tracking all while learning to work with others in a team environment. After lunch, children will spend the remainder of the day splashing around in the lake.”  The camp will be offered on three different occasions: 

• Mon-Thu 7/10-7/13 9am-3pm
• Mon-Thu 7/24-7/27 9am-3pm
• Mon-Thu 8/7-8/10 9am-3pm

Registration is open now.

You can learn more by reviewing the City of Kirkland’s Summer Camp guide here.

High school athletes interested in coaching at these camps, please reach out to Coach Stone for more information regarding the job application process.

Save the date! End of season all-club BBQ picnic. 

Although we’re still a couple of months away, please mark your calendars for Sunday, June 11, from 11am-3pm for the club’s end-of-season bbq.  This is a club favorite and always a great way to end the season on a high note. 

An all-club Signup Genius will be sent in the coming weeks to secure food and beverage contributions as well as help needed at the event. 

Location to be confirmed.  

A few of our Lions' U12s striking their post-match poses, Highland Middle School, April 1.

Photo credit: Kumiko Akiyama

Lions' U14s after a long day at the Skagit Jamboree

Photo credit: Roman Yuferev

Lions' U12s on the pitch, Skagit Jamboree

Photo credit: Ericka Calvert