Maryland Exiles 15 -- West Carroll 14

The Maryland Exiles started strong playing outstanding aggressive defense and solid phase rugby. It led to two terrific unconverted tries: one by Elijah Ruspi and another by Noah Lucas. In the second half, we had a bit of bad luck as Morgan White and Patrick Bieber were both lost to injury. We also struggled to win first phase ball from both scrums and lineouts, and our fitness lagged as our defense that was so good in the first half left huge holes for West Carroll to run through in the second. West Carroll scored two converted tries and surged into the lead.

To their credit, the Maryland Exiles kept the ball and picked up the pace. The team put the ball through multiple phases and kept West Carroll off balance with their play. Jack Kelly, Buck Rogers and Team Captain Jabari Agyemann opened up the inside of the West Carroll defense. The hard work inside then led to opportunities wide with the backs. While we did not convert on all of them, Tyler Lopes was able to put his head down and slice through the West Carroll defense for the winning unconverted try. Final: Maryland Exiles 15 -- West Carroll Marauders 14

Congratulations on beating a worthy quality opponent. Lessons learned (I hope) -- practice is a good thing and learning from your mistakes is important. Morgan White reopened the cut on his head and went to the hospital to receive 6 staples. He will be available next weekend. It is a good thing too, because Morgan was playing extremely well before he went down. Patrick Bieber wasn't as lucky. He fractured his ankle, and he will be out for a minimum of six weeks. Credit our depth and the quality of Francisco de la Lama and Nick Stonesifer to come in and make sure that the level of play didn't lag.