(JD Black photo)

The South has won its way back into Tier I with a comprehensive 47-5 win against the Midwest in the Tier II title game at the collegiate National All-Star Championships Saturday in Glendale, CO.

The Panthers were first on the board and were never headed, leading 26-5 at the half.

The game didn’t really reach great heights as a fans’ spectacle. It was stop-start interspersed with good play here and there, as well as not so good play and some off the ball incidents.

The South had two players binned in the second half, although the Thunderbirds weren’t able to capitalize on the advantage.

Michael Oliver, David Caswell, Roland Evans and Nardus Wessels were among the South’s try-scorers. Caswell also had a golden day with the boot.

“Our defense really stepped it up today. We were solid on Thursday, but we were a little slow with the tackles. Today we fixed that and we got those big guys to the ground quick,” said South coach Vince Atkinson.

“It was nice to be able to walk away with such a solid finish. We were scrambling a bit early in the second half, but our captain (Benji Goff) and #8 (Roland Evans) were able to keep us under control.”

In the earlier consolation matches, the Northeast beat the Military Academies 48-14 and Pacific Coast topped the Mid-Atlantic 53-5.

ARN’s coverage of the college National All-Star Championships is proudly presented by Down Under Rugby.

Take your game to the next level by experiencing rugby in Australia. For more information visit www.downunderrugby.com

And when in the Denver area, ARN chooses to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Cherry Creek