The Clayton Rugby Football Club is close to wrapping up a very busy Spring season which saw the team grow from a handful of players to well over 20 men on the roster. The club also successfully grew the number of coaches that are now helping out with our growing youth program.
The Clayton RFC also wishes to thank our many sponsors that have supported the club. Woodall’s Fitness, Deep River Brewery, Clayton Chiropractic, GRUBBER apparel, and Rugby America have all stepped up to help the club get rolling. We appreciate all that they have done for the club.
On top of all of that, the Bootleggers played their first-ever game as the team traveled to Virginia Beach on May 5th to take on the Falcons. A hearty group of players put in a tough 80 minutes against a solid team. With almost half of our players getting in their first-ever rugby game some lumps were expected and the Falcons were happy to oblige.
Clayton held strong in the opening 20 minutes only yielding two scores, tackling hard and putting some offensive pressure. Once fitness began to wane, Virginia Beach figured out that they had room to run outside, they began to spread the field and found plenty of space. The Falcons lit up the scoreboard, but the Bootleggers continued to play hard despite trailing heavily.
Scrumhalf Brandon Sortman scored the first-ever try for the Clayton RFC with a nice chip and chase score late in the first half. The Bootleggers added a penalty try late in the second half after some solid phase play.
In the end the score was one-sided in favor of Virginia Beach, but it was a good learning experience for the Bootleggers and gave the club a good idea of where we stand. The Falcons will be making the trip to Clayton in the Fall for a rematch that we expect will be much closer than our initial outing.
After not expecting to play a 15s match until the Fall, having enough players to play a road match this early is a very encouraging sign. In the ensuing weeks, the club has added a handful of new players. As the youth season winds down, the Clayton RFC will begin a more structured practice schedule. Starting June 1st, the club will be practicing every Wednesday night at 6pm and then playing pick up touch rugby on Saturday mornings at 10am. All practices are held at East Clayton Community Park.
The team will also be playing at the State Games of North Carolina on June 28th and we are currently looking a fielding a team in at least one more tournament this coming summer. Our fall schedule is beginning to take shape and the club expects to play about five games during the fall.
If you’re interested in playing or learning more about the Clayton RFC, please contact us at [email protected]. Players of all skill and experience levels are welcome to join us.
