Crunch time

Gaining possession of the ball, members of the Mountain Home Mongrels rugby team work together to break the tackle as the Mountain Home squad team faced the 43rd State Crimson Lions during rugby action Saturday afternoon.

Fielding a rookie team that included four players making their debut that weekend, the Mountain Home squad faced an uphill climb on defense as the visiting Boise team steamrolled their way to a 25-0 win.

The Mongrels travel to Missoula, Mont., next month to face competitors from across the region. Meanwhile, the younger under-19 squad faces the Canyon County Warriors on Saturday at the rugby field at Optimist Park. Photo by Brian S. Orban