Rugby team goes 2-1 in NE tourney

The Portland boys’ U-19 rugby club used two last second opportunities to gain a berth in the New England tournament, held Saturday in Manchester, N.H. In their quarterfinal, Portland stopped a Marshfield, Mass., attempt on the goal line as time expired to prevail, 3-0. Flyhalf Francisco Marques (Greely) kicked a penalty in the second half for Portland’s points. In the semifinal against Brookline, Mass., the Pigs found themselves down 8-0 midway through the second half, but a late try by scrumhalf Ian Keith (Portland) and a conversion by Marques brought the score to 8-7. On the final play of the game, Marques kicked a 35-yard penalty to propel Portland to a 10-8 win. In the final match, Portland played Arlington Catholic, Mass. In a close match, AC scored in the early minutes of the game and despite constant pressure, Portland was unable to answer. A late AC penalty made the final 10-0. Portland’s next match is Saturday at Kearsage N.H.

Yarmouth grad honored by Liberty League

Former Yarmouth High lacrosse standout Jack Gross, a sophomore at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., recently received All-Liberty League honorable mention honors. Gross, an attackman, tied for third in the league in goals per game and was fourth in shots. Gross tied for team-high in goals (20), was second in assists (10) and points (30) and second in points per game.

Free LaxPros clinics upcoming

Former Boston Cannons goalie and LAXPRO Kevin O’Brien will host a free goalie clinic for boys’ and girls’ in grades 3-12 Sunday, May 23 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Falmouth High (the field behind the gym). At the same time and location, current Boston Cannons and Boston Blazers defenseman Jack Reid will conduct a defensive skills clinic. The same age group is invited to attend. You must register by contacting steve@laxpros.com.

Center for Grieving Children forming running team

The Center for Grieving Children is forming a team for the Maine Marathon and Half Marathon to be held Oct. 3. The team is coached by RRCA certified coach Jeanne Hackett and meets once a week for a group run. Information sessions will be held Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. and May 13 at 5:15 p.m., at the Center, located at 555 Forest Ave., in Portland. FMI, 775-5216, kristen@cgcmaine.org or cgcmaine.org.

Twilight Baseball League tryouts upcoming

The 2010 Twilight Baseball League, which includes teams in Auburn, Biddeford and Portland, will hold tryouts May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Frozen Ropes Training Center in Portland. Players who turn 19 by Aug. 1 or who spent the 2009-10 acadmic year in college or prep school are eligible. There is a $10 tryout fee. FMI, 878-2600 or leaguelineup.com/twilightbaseballleague.

Inaugural Tri-for-the-Y upcoming

The inaugural Cumberland County YMCA Tri-for-the-Y will take place May 22 in Freeport. The triathlon portion of the race has sold out, but anyone interested in the duathlon still has time to enter. Volunteers are also still needed. FMI, 671-2420 or cumberlandcountyymca.org/triforthey.

Freeport hosting 8th grade athletic orientation night

Freeport High School’s gymnasium will be the location for an 8th grade students and parents athletic orientation night Wednesday, June 2, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Every 8th grade athlete and at least one parent should attend the evening which is designed specifically to clarify and facilitate a smooth transition from middle school to high school athletics. FMI, 865-4706.

SailMaine benefit upcoming

The Shakdown Regatta, featuring sailboats racing on courses inside Portland Harbor, will be held Saturday, June 5 as a benefit for SailMaine’s community sailing program. FMI, sailmaine.org.

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