October 18, 2025 – Johnston County Rugby Park, Wilson’s Mills, NC
The Bootleggers were back in action this weekend, hosting Raleigh RFC’s D3 side in a spirited friendly. Despite the label, there was nothing casual about it—both sides played with physicality, intensity and left it all on the pitch.
Clayton started strong, controlling the pace and possession from kickoff. Captain Eric Hile opened the scoring within minutes, touching down an unconverted try for an early 5–0 lead.
The pressure continued and in the 13th minute debutante lock Johnny Rose scooped up an errant pass and showed surprising pace as he sliced through the Raleigh defense for a 40-meter score. Flyhalf Rupert Kilburn added the conversion to push the lead to 12–0.
Raleigh responded midway through the half, capitalizing on a series of penalties to sustain pressure and finally cross for a converted try in the 25th minute, narrowing the gap to 12–7.
Clayton struck back quickly. In the 33rd minute, center Ben Roach broke free for a long try, with Kilburn adding the extras to extend the lead to 19–7. Raleigh managed a try at the halftime whistle, sending both teams to the break with Clayton holding onto a narrow 19–14 lead.
The second half turned into a defensive battle. Both sides traded territory and possession, but strong tackling and disciplined defense kept the scoreboard quiet.
That changed in the 70th minute when Ted Hardy poached a ball at a breakdown near midfield, sparking a quick counterattack that freed fullback Quincy Poe for a long-range try. Kilburn’s conversion stretched the lead to 26–14.
Five minutes later, Kilburn added a penalty goal to seal the score at 29–14. The Bootleggers’ defense held firm the rest of the way, keeping Raleigh scoreless in the second half.
“It was a hard-fought, physical win,” said Captain Hile. “We had some players in new positions, but everyone stepped up. I couldn’t be prouder—it’s a great day to be a Bootlegger.”
Utility back Luis Padua, making his 50th appearance for Clayton, earned Man of the Match honors for his impact off the bench on both sides of the ball.
Saturday’s match also carried a special meaning beyond the scoreboard. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, players, staff, and fans wore pink to show support for those affected by breast cancer. From pink socks and tape on the pitch to supporters in pink gear around the park, the day served as a reminder that rugby’s strength extends beyond the pitch—it’s about community, compassion, and standing together for a cause.
The Bootleggers are proud to use their platform to raise awareness and show solidarity with those fighting, surviving, and remembering loved ones touched by breast cancer.
Final Score:
Clayton RFC 29 – Raleigh D3 14
Starting XV:
D. Parker, C. Belcher, C. Parker, T. Hardy, J. Rose, C. Koewler, C. Walters, C. Copp, W. Webster, R. Kilburn, J. Gomes, E. Hile (C), B. Roach, C. Pendergraph, Q. Poe
Reserves:
P. Nalley, D. Oliphant, T. Newsome, F. Duruboasa, M. King, B. Culkin, E. Hunter, L. Padua, A. Garner, R. Quinlan
Founded in 2013, the Clayton Rugby Football Club provides playing and social opportunities for adults and youth in Johnston County and the greater Triangle region of North Carolina. The club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to growing the sport of rugby and giving back to the community through outreach, youth development, and volunteerism. The club proudly calls Johnston County Rugby Park home—an ever-growing hub for grassroots rugby and community engagement.
