Aspen coach and player Ben Mitchell, center, lunges for a loose ball in a pivotal moment that led to a critical try, helping to secure the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club’s victory against Haggis RFC in the highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Rugby Premiership D2 finals on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the snow-dusted Willits Rugby Field. The Gents triumphed in a thrilling match, ending with a score of 28-22.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
While the ultimate goal remains on the horizon, the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club have significantly narrowed the gap toward achieving it, particularly after their triumphant performance in Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Rugby Premiership DII championship.
“It feels remarkable not just for us as players but for the entire club and the community that supports us. The hard work that we have all put in over the season has finally paid off,” Gents player Chris Campbell expressed. “The physical toll is undeniable—there is definitely wear and tear on the body. You take hits and battle through injuries, but teammates stepped up big time and delivered a stunning performance.”
In a tightly contested match, the Gents clinched a 28-22 victory against Haggis RFC, with the championship clash being held at the picturesque Willits Rugby Field due to the buildup of recent snowfall at Aspen’s Wagner Park. The final showcased the top two teams from the five-team RMR D2 league after a grueling round-robin schedule throughout the fall season.
With an impressive 32 points during the season and an overall record of 6-2, Aspen earned the right to host the finals as the No. 1 seed, while Haggis claimed the No. 2 spot with 30 points. The Denver Water Dogs secured third place with 23 points, followed by the Denver Barbarians with 18 points and Boulder rounding out the standings at 5 points.
“I’m pretty battered but elated at the same time. This win feels surreal. We have built a strong reputation for winning close matches. It’s nerve-wracking, yet incredibly satisfying,” Aspen player and coach Ben Mitchell said. “We started off strong, which was crucial, especially against a team that had traveled a considerable distance. Although our performance dipped in the second half, we managed to secure the win.”
Saturday’s championship match proved to be exceptionally physical, featuring a pivotal kick and score from Mitchell in the waning seconds of the first half that pushed the Gents’ lead to a comfortable 21-8 at halftime. Despite a valiant effort from Haggis, who narrowed the gap to just one try with a final score of 28-22 in the dying minutes, Aspen executed a crucial defensive stand that solidified their victory.
The teams had previously split their two regular-season matchups, with Haggis dominating 65-17 at home on Sept. 28, while Aspen claimed a narrow victory on Oct. 12 in the Roaring Fork Valley, winning 47-46.
“The match was a grind. Haggis had some formidable players with significant size, and their skill positions posed challenges as they swung the ball wide,” Campbell noted. “However, we stuck to the tactical foundation Ben instilled in us during training and emerged victorious. We are determined to elevate our presence back to national prominence. Our club has a rich history, and we are eager to reclaim our status, though we know it’s still a long road ahead.”
Aspen is currently pursuing the club’s 10th national championship, many of which were secured during the peak years of the 1990s and 2000s. This victory marks the Gents’ first season competing at the DII level in many years, and it has qualified them for the upcoming regional finals in the spring.
The Gentlemen of Aspen will advance to the Northern regional finals, scheduled for the first weekend in May in Springfield, Missouri. The winner of this regional will subsequently earn a spot in the national finals, set to take place about a month later.
“It’s a lot of effort. We’ve been training together since April, which means we’ve been dedicated for over six months,” Mitchell elaborated.
“The timing aligns perfectly for us. With ski season on the horizon, we plan to take a breather until March, focus on recovery, and come back rejuvenated in the spring. Our sights are firmly set on winning a national championship, and this victory is just the first step in that journey.”
acolbert@aspentimes.com
How has the community of Aspen reacted to their rugby team’s championship win?
Their victory.
**Interview with Ben Mitchell, Coach and Player of the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club**
**Editor:** Ben, congratulations on the championship win! How does it feel to secure a victory in such a tightly contested match?
**Mitchell:** Thank you! It feels surreal, honestly. We’ve worked so hard all season, and to see it all pay off in a game like that is simply incredible. The adrenaline was flowing, and even though I’m pretty battered, the joy of winning is overwhelming.
**Editor:** It was a physical match, as you mentioned. Can you talk about the mindset of the team, especially when the game got intense in the second half?
**Mitchell:** Absolutely. We knew Haggis would come out strong, especially after narrowing the gap. The key was to stay focused and resilient. We reminded each other to trust in our training and maintain our defensive standards. It was about sticking to our game plan and supporting one another on the field.
**Editor:** You made a significant play just before halftime that extended your lead. What was going through your mind during that moment?
**Mitchell:** That was a crucial moment. I saw the opportunity, and I lunged for the ball. It was important to push our lead to 21-8 before halftime, giving us that little buffer. I just did what I had to do for the team. It’s moments like those that can change the momentum of a match.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what does this victory mean for the club and the community of Aspen?
**Mitchell:** This win is not just for us players; it’s for the entire community. Our supporters have been phenomenal throughout the season, and this championship brings everyone together. It’s just the beginning; we have our sights set on greater achievements. We’re determined to build on this momentum.
**Editor:** Lastly, what’s next for the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club after this success?
**Mitchell:** We’ll take a moment to savor this victory, but then it’s back to work. We’ll focus on our strengths and improve where we need to. The ultimate goal is to keep growing as a team, with the aim of securing more titles in the future. We’re excited for what’s to come!
**Editor:** Thanks for your time, Ben, and best of luck with your future endeavors!
**Mitchell:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
