Rugby News

On a beautiful Fall afternoon in Cranford, the Union County Mudturtle Men’s A and B sides displayed offensive fireworks in putting up a combined 131 points in beating the Central Jersey Exiles and a joint North Jersey/Montclair side at Unami Park. 

In the A side match, Union got off to a fast start by scoring on the opening kickoff and never looked back in a 73-13 win over Central Jersey. Even though the offense put 73 points on the scoreboard, the day was carried by Mudturtle defense, which stymied Central Jersey the entire 80 minutes.  The defensive highlight was a multi-phase try-line stand in the first half while down two players (yellow cards).  Questionable officiating led to 21 penalties against the home team, providing Central Jersey with their only consistent ball movement. Dan Morariu, a former Union County high school rugby standout, scored two trys in his first game for the team. Nine other Mudturtles also scored trys. Alex Bianchini was the back of the match, while Pete Wargo won the honor for the forwards. 

Union’s second side also had a strong effort in a 58-10 win over a combined North Jersey/Montclair team. Bryce Shipman led the way with three scores, with another seven Mudturtles finding the try zone. The Union B’s played smart and efficient rugby throughout. Shipman was back of the match and Dave Toole was awarded forward of the match.