Miami Tridents win 4th straight Florida Premier Division State Championship

On Saturday, April 20th, 2019, the Tridents fought to the last second to defeat the Tampa Krewe 24-22 in front of a large crowd in Wellington, FL. It was their fourth State Title in a row. In a game with five lead changes, the final result was in doubt until the last whistle. Trident centre, Connor Christie opened the scoring with a try in the 5th minute. Sean Murray (club President) added a second try early in the second half, which was brilliantly slotted over from close to the sideline by Christie. Tampa would respond with two tries of their own. Back and forth, the scoring on both sides would continue until the final moments of the game.
With only minutes left on the clock, Tridents found themselves just outside their own 22 and 5 points down. They needed to dig deep to somehow rescue their season’s hopes of a fourth straight State Championship. Over the course of the season this team had shown that they knew how to win at the death having had five games decided by less than 10 points and four by less than 5. Applying huge pressure to an opposition scrum, they won a penalty, dissent from the Tampa 9 gave them an additional 10 yards. The resulting touch kick brought them up to the Tampa 22 yard line. From there, they secured the line out and started the final drive to secure the title. It was a huge team effort, everyone playing their part. Another infringement from Tampa gave the Tridents a penalty in the 2nd minute of injury time. A quick tip and go from Cyril Becker, who popped the ball to Philippe Ryser. The Tridents flanker carried for 8 yards to bring play to within 3 yards of the try line. A second carry from super prop German Jalil, supported by John Kessenich (the Fox) brought play to within inches of the line, leaving a final push from Jordan Hinojosa to secure the try. A magnificent team try from just outside the Trident’s own 22 yard line. A nervy conversion from under the posts was cooly slotted by Connor Christie and the Miami Tridents had their 4th straight Florida Premier Division State Championship in a row!

The next step is the Southern Regionals in Savannah, GA on May 4th and 5th.

The Trident RFC would like to thank all of our players, 1st and 2nd XV's, officers and "He Who Must Not be Titled" Mad Dog Toms, for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Without your help, we would not have achieved this milestone. We would also like to give thanks to all of the wives and girlfriends that encouraged, supported, and most of all, tolerate us in this crazy lifestyle and sport that is rugby.