The Shoreline Spartans boys’ high school rugby team opened its season on April 5 against the Aspetuck Valley rugby club in Shelton, CT. Aspetuck defeated Shoreline by a score of 22-12 in the contest.

18 players traveled to Shelton, with many of them playing their first game of rugby ever. The Spartans were up 12-10 after a half, with tries scored by Joe Whiteside and Justin Kennedy. Joe converted one of the two kicks.

Unfortunately, injuries piled up for the Spartans and they played most of the second half with only 14 players. The boys never stopped playing though. Ultimately, Aspetuck scored two tries in the second half to secure the victory.

Rugger of the Match went to Joe Whiteside, not just for his scoring but for setting the pace of play. This was not an easy decision as so many players had great games, from strong solid runs and great defensive tackles. Honorable Mentions went to Luke Bellinger, Kaiky Silva, and Justin Kennedy for the runs, Noah Hussaini for being a rucking machine from a position he never played before, and Zach Jones for his work in the lineouts.

The full Shoreline Spartans roster includes Clinton’s Luke Bellinger (Captain), Jaxen Funaro (Captain), Jacob Koelle, Jaidyn Hills, JP Collins, Kaiky Silva, Noah Hussaini, Sean Bourgeois and Aidan Staunton; Deep River’s Churchill Roberts and James Preston; Chester’s Paul Knudsen; Killingworth’s Joe Whiteside, Max Hill and Tyler Stegina; Haddam’s Jonah Lawrey; Guilford’s Justin Kennedy; Naugatuck’s Prestin Bartone; and Ivoryton’s Zach Jones.