Downingtown Wins EPRU High School Girls' Final Four

The High School Girls' Final Four was held at Centerville Elementary School in Lancaster, PA. Semifinals kicked off at 11:00am with Hempfield vs. West Carroll (9*) followed by Downingtown (16*) v. North Bay (26*). 

*Rankings indicated are NATIONAL based on RugbyMag.com May 7, 2012 list.

Hempfield vs West Carroll Semi-Final

After a very tight defensive first half (0-0), West Carroll took control in the first minutes of the second half, scoring 2 quick tries using their power rucking game. Hempfield came on at the end, but could only manage one try by flanker Becky Danz at full time.  The final score was 10-5 West Carroll.

Downingtown vs North Bay Semi-Final

North Bay's play against Downingtown improved since the first time the two teams faced each other.  North Bay controlled the ball throughout the majority of the first half and came very close to scoring twice. The team was better able to defend Downingtown’s very effective mauls, and was very disciplined, with few penalties called against them.  North Bay’s only try came late in the game when, after a great team effort by several players moving the ball down the field steadily, Julie Wernig ran the ball in and touched it down.  The final score was 24-5 Downingtown.

Stand out players from the North Bay team were Senior scrum-half, Julie Wernig, Sophomore fly-half, Sam Kelly, and Senior flanker, Amber Rose.

Downingtown vs West Carroll Final

The final match was extremely close with Downingtown winning the championship 19-17.  Matt Dziunycz, Downingtown’s head coach, noted, “The competition level was incredible, and any one of the teams could have won the whole thing on any given day.  It was a truly great event, to cap off a great year for EPRU girls rugby.”

Directions to Centerville Elementary School, 901 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA.