The Pelham middle school flag rugby team captured the Bowl trophy Saturday at the NYC Rugby Cup, the biggest flag rugby tournament in the country. The elementary flag team lost in the Bowl final. There were over 60 teams at the NYC Cup, so all the more impressive Pelham’s two reached the finals.

The middle school team was Quinn Scanlon, Cameron Ward, Jake Ryan, Duffy Doyle, James Bristow, Martin Ndou, Jean Vigroux, Lucas Geremia, Nick Lapponese, Conor Buechner, Will Jarka and Ben O’Brien. Spencer Scanlon coached. On the elementary team were Luke Sgobbo, Nick Hibbler, Caleb Persanis, Grant Roll, Piper Gilliam, Jack McCormack, Henry Jarka, Peter Monaco, Justin Obierne, Matt Lavigni, Robert Bischoff, Luigi Marcellino and Gregory Novikov. They were coached by Matt Persanis.

On Sunday, the U12 team started off the last day of tackle matches of the season, and they came out storming against a very tough Rockaway team. But Rockaway was no match as Pelham scored early and often, eventually winning 70-0. The U12s finished the day the league champions, wrapping up a great first season that saw the team lose only one game.

Next up was the U14 team, which has struggled this season. Last time they met Rockaway, the opposition controlled the entire game. This time, Pelham stood up and were counted. Pelham may have lost, but they played a very tough game. In fact, a Pelham U14 player had the longest run of the day.

The U16 game finished the program and the season. The winner would be crowned the league champions. Rockaway is a big team and a long time rival of Pelham. The game started with Pelham camping out in the Rockaway end but failing to put up points. Rockaway defended stoutly until Kevin Ndou powered over for a try. Pelham eventually turned up the heat, pushing the play and defending well, to finish 38-5 winners.

Try scorers were Kevin Ndou (3), Christian Battaglia, North Westall and Luke Persanis, while Harry Fanning made four conversions.

Next up: The Pelham U14 and U16 teams travel to Bermuda at the end of the month.

Thanks to Coaches Persanis, Ski, Kyle, Jamie, Keith and Spencer.