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SANDY -- Utah was host to the best boys and girls rugby clubs in the country over the weekend at Rio Tinto Stadium. The under-19 championship featured two teams from Utah who happen to be the best in the country.
Highland Rugby is a dynasty. The organization has won 19 national championships in 25 years. Its last two titles came in victories over another Utah rugby club: United.
On Saturday night, the two rivals met once again with the national championship on the line. Their battle was intense, and the play was physical.
With the match tied at 17, United took a five-point lead on a try by Brian Mehl. With two seconds left, Highland would get the ball inside the 5-yard line. But the United defense held strong, and the team finally defeated Highland to claim its first national championship.
"This year was payback. We worked hard," United's Shon Curtis said. "The minute that he lost last year, we thought about this coming up year."
"It means a lot. It's our first championship. I don't know what to say," United's Jared Whippy said.
"Just thanks to our coaches, our fans and everybody for coming out. Thank you so much!" Curtis said.
