In their first round-robin game, the Spartans had a convincing win vs Lakeside Academy 41-7. Tries were scored by Trevor Grasby, Alex Liddell-Grainger, Dakota Albino, Keiran Gallant and Will Huckins. In their second round-robin game, they took on Loyola. It was a very intense contest and great quality of play. Trevor Grasby scored three times and Alex Liddell-Grainger converted all three kicks to give the Spartans a 21-17 win. They then went on to play a third round-robin game against Buerling Academy. The boys did not disappoint, registering a convincing 42-7 victory and securing a spot in the cup semi finals. Alex Liddell-Grainger, Dakota Albino, Keiran Gallant, Trevor Grasby and Joseph Poulin scored the tries.

In the semis, they faced Westwood High School. It was a tough contest early; however, Stanstead had more fitness and opened up the lead in the second half. The game finished 31-5 and clinched the boys a spot back in the finals against Chateauguay Valley Regional.

With not much rest, the Spartans took to the field against a well-organized and focused group from CVR. Early on, it was evident that this would be a battle. CVR jumped out to an early lead but Stanstead countered on a great run from Trevor Grasby. At halftime, Stanstead trailed 7-5. In the second half, CVR took it to Stanstead, putting up a well-run try and taking a commanding lead 12-5 with only a minute to play. In the dying seconds, Trevor Grasby completed an individual run under the posts and Alex Liddell-Grainger converted the kick tying the game as 12-12 and sending it to overtime. In overtime, Trevor Grasby picked the ball out of the back of the scrum and sprinted in for the golden try.

It was an incredible final; both teams were warriors and battled until the end. Hats off to CVR who were a well-coached team and excellent athletes. The Spartans were crowned GMAA 7’s championships, and Trevor Grasby was named the Tournament MVP. Well done, Spartans!

Sherbrooke Abenaki Tournament
Saturday, the senior boys traveled to Bishop’s College School to compete in the Abenakis 7s rugby tournament. Coming off a big win at the GMAA 7s the day before, the boys were banged up and running on fumes. In the first game, Stanstead had a convincing win against Richmond Regional High School 40-0. In the second game of the day, Stanstead faced BCS who always prove to be a tough opponent. The game came down to the wire but the boys hung on for a 22-17 victory. In the third round robin contest, the Spartans faced Alexander Galt. The boys showed up to play and took the game 41-0.

This set up a meeting with Séminaire de Sherbrooke in the finals. Séminaire is always stacked with strong football players who have athletic ability and hit hard. In the opening minutes it looked like Stanstead was going to have trouble finding their legs. It was a stalemate until the Barons went outside on Stanstead and they could not match the speed. Séminaire took a 5-0 lead which they held until the final whistle of the first half when Trevor Grasby scored and Alex Liddell-Grainger converted making it 7-5 for the Spartans at half.

In the second half, Stanstead completely dominated play and blew it open with smart runs and excellent tackling. The final whistle blew and the score sat at 31-5. The boys were crowned Abenakis 7s champions and completed the near impossible, winning 7s tournaments on back to back days.

The Spartans now hold a record of 16-0 and have an impressive 472 points for and 123 against. The Spartans are next up against Essex High School, Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Philip Field.