PINE BANKS – The Mystic River Rugby Club (Northeast #1) built a strong 20-5 lead against the visiting Maryland Exiles (Mid-Atlantic #4) but the Exiles showed no quit in the second half. Two yellow card infractions left the Mystics shorthanded and the Exiles capitalized with three quick unanswered tries to take a 22-20 lead with only two minutes remaining in the game.
The Mystics were able to steal possession on the ensuing kickoff and the Exiles gave up a penalty to give the Mystics a kick for the lead… which sailed wide left of the uprights. The Exiles restarted the 22m kick, giving possession back to the Mystics who put together several phases of attack and secured yet another penalty. Given the second chance, Derrick Roma put the kick through with time expired, giving the Mystics the 23-22 win and a third consecutive trip to the USA Rugby DI National Sweet 16.