Fallbrook repeat as Girls High School National Champions

from USA Rugby:

STANFORD, Calif. – The Fallbrook Warriors put on a fast paced display of running rugby to beat Lakewood 59-12, and claim the 2012 Emirates Airline USA Rugby Girls High School National Invitational Championship.

Fallbrook came into this tournament defending National Champions, and were out to prove once again they were the best in the land and repeat as Champs. The road a repeat championship game wouldn’t be a walk through though.

The Warriors opened the tournament in a re-match of last year’s final against a very young but tough Amazons side, winning that match 34-0. Next up on Day one for Fallbrook was Catholic Memorial out of Wisconsin. Catholic would push the Warriors before they distanced themselves for the 28 – 15 win. Lakewood also went through day 1 undefeated, which would set the stage for the championship on Day two.

Fallbrook’s game plan revolved around their pace in the backs, and in the opening minutes of the championship, their attack plans became apparent. Just two minutes into the first half Fabiola Gutierrez struck with a strong run from the 12 position. The tries would come hot and heavy for the rest of the game for Fallbrook from then on.

The Warriors ran in 12 tries on the way to a championship, let by Outside Center Casey Karl with three, the game was never in doubt. Fallbrook 59, Lakewood 5. Megan Pinson took home the MVP award, and deservedly so. Pinson was a consistent threat offensively, and a defensive barricade all weekend.

In the consolation matches earlier in the day, The Amazons out of Sacramento fell to Downingtown (PA) 12-15 in a tight match. Amazons made a furious second half comeback, but it was too little too late, and Downingtown held on to win the 7th/8th place match.

West Carroll (MD) was topped by Kent (WA) 27 – 5 in the 5th/6th match. And it was an all-Wisconsin affair in the 3rd/4th place match where DSHA held on to win 10-8 over in-state rival Catholic Memorial.

To view full scores and results, go here. Watch archived videos from the weekend here.

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