The National High School Rugby Tournament has always been a stage for young athletes to showcase their skills, and the 104th edition is no different. On the 28th of January at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashi Osaka City, Iida High School, representing Nagano Prefecture, faced off against Morioka Technical High School from Iwate. The match was intense, filled with moments of triumph and disappointment for Iida.
Iida entered the tournament with hopes high, aiming to mark their return after missing out on victories in past events. The game began with Iida making its mark on the scoreboard, scoring the first try and establishing an early lead. By the end of the first half, they found themselves up by 7 points. Things looked promising for Iida as they headed to the break with momentum.
Fumiko Takagi, covering the event, noted, "Iida scored first and led 7 points at half-time but couldn't hold on to the lead." These words captured the essence of the match's turning point. While fans cheered and hoped for the best for Iida, the second half unfolded differently. Morioka came out strong, determined not to let Iida's lead hinder their drive for victory.
The momentum shifted as Morioka took control, launching relentless attacks against Iida. Although Iida started strong, they struggled to keep Morioka at bay during the latter stages of the match. Despite their earlier efforts, the balance tipped with Morioka's continuous pressure, leading to significant scoring plays. The game culminated with Morioka narrowly triumphing over Iida, concluding with the score of 26-24.
This loss was significant for Iida, marking yet another heart-wrenching exit from the tournament. It was their 11th trip to the tournament over three years, yet they could not secure victory. The players were visibly disappointed but showed resilience, valuing the experience they have garnered over their time playing at the high school level. Each tournament brings with it valuable lessons, and even in defeat, Iida High School took away important insights.
The atmosphere throughout the game was electric, filled with fans decked out in team colors, their cheers echoing through the stadium. With this being the largest national high school tournament, the stakes are always high. Each school brings pride for its respective prefecture, battling not just for the trophy but for the honor of representing their community.
Looking forward, Iida's players know they have the talent and potential to come back stronger for next year's tournament. The experience gained this year works as motivation for improvement and growth within the team. They reflected on their strategies, plays, and the need for enhanced defensive capabilities, especially against aggressive teams like Morioka.
While this match may not have ended as Iida had hoped, it signifies the spirit of high school rugby—the drive to excel, compete fiercely, and the unwavering passion for the sport. Fans and players alike will have to wait till next year's tournament for another chance at glory.