Article by Antonio Monteiro

Greenwich High School’s varsity boys rugby team’s first home game of the season was against rival Fairfield Prep on April 25 and the Cardinals treated their home crowd to a resounding 43-12 win at Cardinal Stadium

Earlier in the season, Greenwich qualified for the Boys High School National Championships in Indiana, winning a play-in game versus Staples High School. 

Against Fairfield Prep, the first half opened with pressure from the Jesuits, resulting in an early try that was not converted. The Cardinals settled down to the task at hand, led by their pack, establishing possession and front-foot ball.

With that platform, the backs dominated their opponents, led by senior outside center Flois Van de Rotte, who scored three tries. Eighth man Julen Guazo-Badiola added to the score with an excellent run, splitting the Prep’s defense. Benja Gonzales-Lobo continued his good form from the kicking tee, adding eight points in conversions. Fairfield made a late run, scoring a converted try, making the halftime score 26-12, in favor of GHS.

In the second half, Greenwich’s pack was in total command against their larger opponents, leading to tries from lock Teo Ballerio and flanker Benjamin Schacher. Captain Max Shaw was full of praise for prop Henry Wahl, who dominated in the tight and carried the ball with great effect.

Wing Nick Hvatum rounded off the scoring with a try, and Gonzales-Lobo added the extras for a final score of 43-12. There were very good performances from the Cardinals team all over the field against a very physical, well-drilled Prep squad.

Speaking after the game, Shaw was full of praise for GHS team.

“It comes down to a ton of work in practice and the chemistry between us that shows up on the scoreboard,” Shaw said.

Van de Rotte was impressed by the inside backs.

“This is the game that the backs found their identity after trying different combinations,” he said.

Back line coach Jamie Everett added: “We wanted to come out and make a statement, and the boys did that. Overall, we are making improvements and being more dynamic.”

The Cardinals host Fairfield Warde today (May 2) which will is also the squad’s Senior Day. 

For more pictures from Greenwich’s game vs. Fairfield Prep, click on the following link https://www.06878photography.com/rugby—greenwich-high-school-varsity-boys-vs-fairfield-prep-varsity-boys-at-greenwich-high-school-o