Full group of St. Ignatius players on tour in Argentina.

The St. Ignatius High School Wildcats Frosh-Soph rugby team triumphed over the La Plata rugby club in an intense clash on March 30 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as part of their tour of the South American country.

It was a showdown that unfolded against the backdrop of very hot weather as both the Wildcats and the La Plata team showcased talent and determination. This game was played between players of 14 or 15 years old, and was put together quickly, on the fly, when another opponent for La Plata's U15s was unable to fulfill the fixture. SIHS had intended to play three matches on the day—this was the fourth.

Throughout the game, the Wildcats swiftly adapted to the challenge; however, La Plata and the young Wildcats rugby athletes contested each yard of the pitch. The freshman and sophomore Wildcats secured a narrow edge by halftime with a score of 14-12.

The St. Ignatius squad found significant moments of success as young players, Giani Fleck, Lucas Perram, Sam Deegan, and Eli Orlando, each found their way to the tryline. Notably, it was pivotal combination plays, such as when Charlie Hubbard set up Deegan's game-changing score, that gave the Wildcats the impetus to finish strong. Hubbard's chip kick was chased down by Deegan to turn a thin, two-point lead into a nine-point advantage. Hubbard also added three conversions.

Following the game, Coach Bill Craighead appreciated the hard-fought win.

"We were sleepwalking a bit at the beginning and we were too high in contact," Craighead said. "The other team was young but they ran really hard and it was a wakeup call for us. But we regrouped and actually moved the ball really well to win."

He added that the seamless play orchestrated by the team reflected impressive adaptability and cooperation among the young Wildcats. "We're building players and leaders for the future. I'm proud of the effort," he said.

The win against La Plata sets the stage for the Wildcats' next tour game against San Ignacio Mar del Plata.