By Mike Rubin

Somerville Native Jamie Burke dives for a try for the USA Women's Rugby Team in a 22-12 loss to Ireland. The USA Women's squad is now eliminated from World Cup contention.

Despite a promising 51-0 win over Kazakhstan, the United States Women’s Rugby team  was eliminated from tournament contention. After a 22-12 defeat to Ireland, the Eagles fell in a tough 37-10 defeat to England on Saturday. As a result, the Eagles finished pool play at 1-2.
Even in defeat, Somerville native and team captain Jamie Burke was more than pleased with the crowd and as well as the team’s efforts.
“Once again the fans were amazing.,” said Burke. “We could hear them all over the field.  Though we didn’t win the match, it was a great game and I am very proud of the way the team played.  We fought hard and left it all out on the field, which is all we could ask for.  After the match it was more ice-baths and pool sessions before heading back to my room to hit the hay.  I was exhausted.  Completely drained.  It’s been a while since I’ve felt that tired both mentally, physically, and emotionally.  I think all the physical energy coupled with the emotional energy that always goes into a game of that magnitude and intensity just took it out of me.”

Facing an 8-0 deficit, the Women Eagles responded with a try by Natalie Marchino.
Marchino broke through initially, setting up several successful phases and worked her way back into play to finish the move with a try in the corner.
England countered by scoring with five minutes remaining in the half, extending the lead to 13-5. McLean weighted a grubber kick perfectly for Merchant who touched down for the score. With the game well in the balance, the Eagles were short a player as Marchino was penalized with a yellow card for tripping a player.
After England extended the lead to 25-5, the Eagles closed the gap within 25-10 on a boot  by Christy Ringgenberg and a diving try by Kim Magrini.
With the Eagles eliminated, they’ll vie for fifth place on Wednesday in a consolation rematch against Ireland.
In the loss to Ireland, Burke helped lead the way in the losing effort, recording a try.
Also contributing was Vanessa