The South Meck HS Rugby Sabres traveled to Chapel Hill on Saturday to participate in the Highlanders pre season tournament.  Six of our juniors and seniors were unavailable, so it was a great opportunity for our under class men and new players to gain valuable playing time.  First up was defending Club H.S. state champs Chapel Hill Highlanders (ranked #25 in the USA) who played with a furious pace and contested every break down and ultimately ended up being more than the Sabres could handle. Final score Chapel Hill 20 – South Meck 0.  Next up was the Raleigh Rattlesnakes, another Club HS team and perennial front runner.  South faired much better in this match having learned valuable lessons in the first match and played rugby on the front foot with good attacking style and an improved defensive effort.  Raleigh scored a late one to edge South by a score of 10 to 5.  The final match of the day was against Club HS team Clayton Copperheads.  The Sabres were depleted but determined to leave on a high note.  The match started with a high kick off by Connor Hayes that was taken in the air by Derwin Lewis and that set the tone for the match.  The Sabres attacked hard and punished Clayton with aggressive play and a beautiful kick return by new comer Jamel McClendon to set up a Keyon Barnes try.  At the final whistle, South secured a hard fought 10 to 5 win.  Way to go Sabres Rugby!!!  Next up for the Sabres is the season opener against Ardrey Kell HS on Fri, Feb 3.  7pm kick off at the Matthews Sportsplex.” – Coach Hayes