The Rainier Highlanders junior rugby squad took to the road Saturday and blanked the Shelton Savages 27-0 under sunny skies.

The Highlanders, made up of players from local high schools, managed the convincing victory despite being without four starters and relied on the depth of their young squad.

Flyhalf Aaron Carr started the scoring with a try in the early stages of the match. The Highlanders continued to control the ball in Shelton’s half of the field and hooker Colin Pearson converted a tough penalty run to score the second try of the match. After some failed attempts to convert red zone possessions, flanker Nate Rasmussen was able to punch in another try before the half. The Highlanders continued to keep the ball in Shelton’s end in the second half and outside center Dru Hart scored with a ground-and-pound run. Shortly before the final whistle scrumhalf Fernando Sanchez made a nice dummy pass and walked into the try zone for the fifth and final try of the match.

Bonney Lake’s Jared Winter was awarded the “Man of the Match.”

The Highlanders improved to 9-0 and travel to Canada for a spring break tour this week. With a win against Tacoma or Yakima during the next couple of weeks, the Highlanders will clinch a playoff spot in the Champion’s Cup for the state tournament.

Visit rainierjuniorrugby.com for information on upcoming matches and practices.