Black and Blue off to strong start

MISSOULA — The Flathead Black and Blue rugby team’s quest for a third straight state title is off to a strong start.

The Black and Blue opened its season Saturday by winning the Missoula 7’s championship, downing Missoula 14-10 in the finals after going 2-2 in pool play.

“Considering we haven’t seen grass, I’d say that our kids played really, really well,” assistant coach Bob Kiesel said.

“The play around the pitch for our kids was outstanding.”

The Black and Blue fell to Missoula and Spokane in pool play but advanced to the finals thanks to wins over Sandpoint (Idaho) and Simms.

They got revenge over Missoula in the finals, besting the hosts behind tries from Tucker Nadeau and Alec Thomas.

Kiesel said the team also received solid contributions from scrum half Brisman White, Erik McCappe, Sebastian Koch and Dawson Cooper, who led the squad with three tries on the day.

The team returns to the pitch next Saturday against Bitterroot.

in Corvallis.

Play begins at 1 p.m.