HAIL, PELICUS!
NEED FOR REFEREES
Not this weekend, and not the next...but the one after, the first weekend in May.
May 4-5-6: the Northern California Invitational Tournament, for high school boys’ and girls’ teams, in Sacramento.
There will be four full playoff games on Friday afternoon between 3 and 6. Let us know if you can help out.
The tournament will be held on eight pitches, so a large flock of Pelicans will be needed. Games will be played from 9 – 7 on Saturday and from 9 – 3 on Sunday.
http://sites.google.com/site/norcalinvitational/home
Please reply with your availability for this weekend event.
PLAYOFF RUGBY
D3 MEN’S CLUB PLAYOFFS: CUP SEMIS
Two semi-finals and no final. Winners advance to Portland for the last-ever Pacific Coast playoffs. These would be Stanislaus and the Bay Area Chiefs.
Shasta 5 – STANISLAUS 13 Referee: Scott Wood
TJs: Dan Batdorf (Shasta), Paul Colyer (Modesto)
Location: Foothill High School, Palo Cedro, CA
Winner goes to Portland. Loser stays home and preps for next year.
A wet but relatively firm pitch. Not bad considering the rain that dropped in the Redding area over the previous week.
Modesto scored early as Laufilitonga Mahafutau aka Tonga powered through several defenders. Shasta countered with a try by Kyle Barthel who scored more on grass than soil but grass is ground so the try stands. Modesto scored a second try with Alex Mason stretching out to ground the ball with a defender tugging at his shirt in vain. All in the first twenty minutes.
Nick French wanted me to say something cool about him: Nick is a cool guy who, in addition to being a force to reckon, graciously accepted his penalty. Also, his wife takes great action photos.
Both teams were equal in the forward packs. Modesto was more adept in the backs and was able to maintain possession whereas Shasta was unable to string passes together. No more scoring occurred until Modesto's captain, Peter Martin, slotted a penalty goal with five minutes remaining in the match. Modesto could have scored at least one more try but the ball carrier mistook the five-meter line for the goal line.
Kudos to both teams for a well-contested match.
BAY AREA CHIEFS 23 – Reno 17 Referee: Dan Wilson
Evaluator: David Williamson
The D3 match of Bay Area Chiefs v Reno started off before the match with a very civil discussion regarding CIPP eligible players. Reno rightfully pointed out the rules and those on the Chiefs CIPP roster that were not registered prior to the cutoff date, and the BA Chiefs, after some questions, agreed to sit those players. Thankfully, it went well and the game was not going to be played with any protests. Played on a high school artificial turf in South San Francisco under beautiful skies, the game was plagued by ball handling error after ball handling error which could not be attributed to weather. The home team scored a penalty kick at the 4 minute mark and Reno countered with a penalty kick of their own at the 15 minute mark. At the 35 minute mark, Reno scored an unconverted try giving them the lead once again. The Chiefs lost their captain to a sin bin for a dangerous tackle with just under two minutes to play leaving them with a man down. The emotions on both sides were high throughout the first half but neither team went past the verbal disputes that come up during a playoff game. Halftime Score: BA Chiefs 8 – Reno 3
The second half had better ball movement by both sides with bouts of counter kicking. At least both teams started to move the ball more efficiently. The Chiefs scored an unconverted penalty try at the 55th minute due to Reno continually being not last foot inside the five-meter line on penalties. Reno countered again with a converted try at the 62nd minute. Not rolling away and last feet raised its ugly head again as the teams moved into the fourth quarter. The Chiefs were able to score another penalty kick and a converted try before Reno really started to put on the pressure. People from both teams spent time in the bin due to not last foot including a resulting penalty try for Reno at the 75th minute. The Chiefs were able to make a few line breaks and put the game out of reach in the 78th minute with a converted try. Reno was able to get the ball back in the final minutes but ball handling errors resulted in a scrum, which the Chiefs eventually kicked out of bounds. Final Score: BA Chiefs 23 – Reno 17.
D3 MEN’S CLUB PLAYOFFS: BOWL SEMIS
Sierra Foothill forfeit to BLACKHAWKS
SF Fog 12 – COLUSA 29 Referee: Bruce Ricard
Both teams were very disappointed to have been disqualified by politics. Colusa only had 16 players at the pitch at kickoff time, 2 players arrived a bit later.
Beautiful day of rugby. The rain this week made the field soft, perfect to play rugby.
Colusa started very strong with a try at the first minute. The game was quite fair with not a lot of infringements. Two older players from FOG were strongly admonished once for foul play, and didn't do anything wrong anymore. Colusa scored two more tries during the half, and FOG one. 17 - 7 at the break.
Pretty much the same good game in the second half, Colusa scored 2 tries and Fog one.
[Editor’s Note: the cryptic reference to politics will have tingled the antennae of certain among our readership.
[The two top finishers in D3 advance to the last-ever Pacific Coast playoffs, which will be held in Portland April 21-22. The NorCal playoffs were to include quarterfinals on April 14, with teams 1-4 in the North and South portions of the division qualifying, and then semifinals for those games’ winners on April 21, to determine who goes to Portland… to play on the 21st.
[Someone realized that this wouldn’t work about two weeks ago. So there was an emergency schedule published with quarterfinals April 14 and semifinals April 15, with teams having to host on one-day notice and others having to travel as far as Redding, Reno or Stanislaus on that same one-day notice.
[This schedule died about the time it saw the light of day. The alternative was to forego the quarterfinals entirely and to have the first- and second-place teams cross brackets and play for an all-expenses due trip to Portland.
[Which left the third- and fourth-place teams to play for the Bowl. This is the ‘politics’ which left the Fog and Colusa out of the running: incompatible schedules in place for months with no-one noticing. ]
Pacific Coast playoffs this weekend, in Portland:
Men’s Club D2:
Seahawks-Snake River
Santa Rosa-ORSU in Portland
Men’s Club D3:
Stanislaus-Bend
Bay Area Chiefs-Budd Bay
SMALL COLLEGE PLAYOFFS
From www.Gainline.us:
“The semifinals and finals of this weekend's National Small College Rugby Organization's division 3 championship will be broadcast on a tape delay basis. The competitors are Franciscan University (Steubenville, OH) vs. Salve Regina University (Newport, RI) and the University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL) vs. Cal Maritime (Vallejo, CA).
“Cal Maritime upended Nebraska's Wayne State 29-12 this weekend to claim the final spot.”
The semi-finals are April 28 at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo. They will be shown on Fox Soccer Plus. Read all about it: http://www.eteamz.com/NSCRO/news/index.cfm?id=5368779&cat=0&SitePage=
GAMES
Sacramento Capitals 17 –OLYMPIC CLUB 102 Referee: Phil Akroyd
AR: Ron DeCausemaker
A total of 119 points but not my game high (that was set in January of 2009 - Chico 129 to nothing over Mendocino), but I did get a possible record low on penalties. There were four in the first half, five in the second so obviously my management techniques are not effective.
Barbarians 19 – SFGG 43 Referee: Darren Folau
Report by AR Sandy Robertson
A close match for 50 minutes--7-7 at the break, matching tries early in the 2nd half SFGG began to maintain possession, move the ball wide, and score over the last 30 minutes. The Barbarians spent 20 of the last 30 minutes a man short, a result of bookings for 2 dangerous tackles and SFGG made them pay, in a wide-open, running match that was, other than the 2 cited tackles, played in good spirits, perhaps aided by visiting referee Darren Folau's calm refereeing and New Zealand accent
Seconds: Barbarians – SFGG Referee: Sandy Robertson
Ten of the Barbarians stayed on the field for 40 minutes of 10 a sides against SFGG's second side.
SAN MATEO 20 – Sacramento Lions 17 Referee: Preston Gordon
AR: Cary Bertolone
San Mateo HS, 1230
San Mateo kicked 2 penalty goals at 8' and 11' (running time), helped by a 45th-second yellow card to the Lions captain for a dangerous tackle that left us waiting 8 minutes for the medical professionals before continuing. The Lions replied at 20' with an unconverted try, then San Mateo got 2 more converted tries at 42' and 47' to lead 20-5 at halftime.
Sacramento Lions came out a little more fired up in the second half, and worked the ball around their backline well to get a winger into the corner. Just before he put the ball down for the try he was dangerously tackled by a San Mateo back, so the conversion was made easier for them by the penalty try, and the yellow card that followed couldn't have hurt their efforts either. Both sides were playing ferociously but fairly, the two earlier yellow cards apparently working.
San Mateo was ultimately able to hold out for the win, although they did allow one more converted try at 61' to make it 20-17 with about a quarter of the game left. Good defense and some nice counterattacking play off turnovers held sway for the rest of the game. The Lions had a couple of chances to tie the game with penalties near the posts but went for the try each time. With about 3 minutes remaining in the game, Sacramento's #22, who had been yapping at me from the moment he came onto the field ~10 minutes earlier, earned himself a yellow card for backchat and made his team's task that much harder. They kept up the pressure, spent but ultimately San Mateo recovered the ball and kicked it out as time expired.
I only ran 3.26 miles based on my GPS track, but I also noticed that we (I, but the idea is to be near the action, right?) spent most of the second half near the San Mateo goal line. That they were able to defend without conceding many more penalties or cards reflects well on their discipline. Things could well have been different. Also, many thanks to Cary for being a second pair of eyes on the touchline, in the right places at the right times.
Good luck to both sides in the playoff hunt!
Seconds: San Mateo 19 – SACRAMENTO LIONS 49 Referee: Cary Bertolone
Beautiful, sunny day on the artificial turf field in San Mateo; it actually felt a bit on the warm side (especially compared to the last several weeks). The younger San Mateo side was a bit overmatched by the older, larger Lion's second side, who toyed with San Mateo, playing at times like seven a sides. Lions scored 4 tries to 1 in the first half and scored 5 more in the second half while San Mateo had a slight rally by scoring 2 late ones for the final 49-19 score. A lot of laughing and good spirits by both sides!!
EPA BULLDOGS 60 – EPA Razorbacks 33 Referee: John Coppinger
AR: Pete Smith
Evaluator: Mike Youdin
It was a real track meet on the turf field at El Camino fields in Palo Alto with both teams looking to run. Although the score does not indicate it, Bulldogs won handily as Razorbacks scored all of their points in the last 20 minutes.
Chico State women – UC Davis
Seconds: Chico State – UC Davis
No reports received.
Chico 7 – SANTA ROSA 89 Referee: Rich Boyer
ARs: Giles Wilson, Jack Petty
I was provided the opportunity to referee the D2 Chico men v. Santa Rosa men match in between reffing the Chico women’s tourney. The pitch was absolutely horrible and it is a wonder nobody broke an ankle, much less even twisted one.
With ARs Giles Wilson and the estimable Jack Petty (10 year old certified AR) on the sidelines the game began. Chico have always been physical and they did not disappoint. Nonetheless Rosa were up for the challenge, and then some.
Rosa was up 12-0 with 16 minutes gone (and all of a handful of scrums and four penalties), but then the floodgates opened. They put on a display for the ages. Great forward and back play, super communication, and the ball did the work. Rosa 8 and 4 were noticeable in their open field running and catching the ball at pace while the backline was quick and accurate with passes. Rosa were up 47-0 at half.
Chico did not back down, and never gave up. But Rosa’s quick pace and various set piece plays, as well as second and third phase attacks, had Chico befuddled. Rosa scored try after try (with everyone getting in on the action), but Chico continued to play hard, and in good spirits. The big Chico flanker scored their only try after a series of good phases and ball swung wide.
Chico 12 exhibited great running skills and superb tackling, and Chico 6 did well at the breakdowns. Rosa 9 distributed quickly, and well, and scored a brace of tries.
Final score: 89-7.
Seconds: Chico 0 – SANTA ROSA 74 Referee: Mike King
Rosa kept rolling from its firsts right into the second side match, displaying the same strong running attack with excellent support. They were aided by the fact they were all fresh while many of Chico’s side was doubling up from the 1st game. The constant Rosa attack led to long running and passing movement s that accounted for 5 tries in the first half (3 converted) and 7 tries in the second half (4 converted). Chico gamely struck back at times, but just could not get across the try line. Best of all, the uneven playing surface did not lead to any major injuries.
Vacaville 5 –DIABLO GAELS 27 Referee: Rich Anderson
South Valley forfeit to FRESNO
BERKELEY 14 – Marin Reds 5 Referee: Jordan Bruno
Evaluator: Mike Malone
Sunny skies and a moderate temperature following a week of lightning and rain was a pleasant surprise. The vantage atop Witter Field in Piedmont was great, with landscape views of the San Francisco Bay and Oakland. A well contested match at half ended with Berkeley converting two tries and securing a much needed win. A few yellow cards were awarded for dangerous play throughout the match, but a warning halfway into the first half for repeated ruck infringements allowed for presentation of cleaner ball and a faster paced match. A great job by both sides, and especially Berkeley for dominating field possession during the second half which led to the win. Thanks to Bryant Byrnes and Mike Malone for their input during and following the match.
Seconds: Berkeley 17 – MARIN 22 Referee: Bryant Byrnes
Following a boffo first sides match on Piedmont High's narrow field, Marin took the (abbreviated) second match. Good clean and fun match, without complications or tears.
BERKELEY OLD BOYS 17 – Berkeley RFC 0 Ref: Byrnes
Another rump match, with the old so and sos showing the kids how it is done. A longer match would have some of these senior fellas into the ER, but hell, they won.
B.A. Baracus 18 – SAN JOSE SEAHAWKS 47 Referee: Tony Levitan
Evaluator: Dixon Smith
TJs: Rich from San Jose and Ben from Baracus
Who'd have thought that a Saturday preceded by so much crappy weather (my son's Thursday evening lacrosse game lasted only 1 minute 30 seconds due to lightning) would yield such a fine day for rugby. The Baracus pitch was surprisingly firm while simultaneously offering a different type of treacherousness given the colony of gophers who obviously reside underground the pockmarked natural grass layout. Where's Carl Spackler * when you need really need him?
The teams were both well organized and ready to go well before the 1pm kickoff. Baracus made the ill-fated choice to take the wind in the opening half, only to have to play into a more intense, persistent San Francisco afternoon breeze in the second half. The first half was tightly contested. The Seahawks surprised their hosts with a quick converted try barely 2-1/2 minutes in to jump out to a 7-0 lead. Baracus answered 24 minutes later off a strike taken against the head by their captain/hooker and well driven by their loose forwards to tie at 7. The first of two penalties put Baracus briefly in the lead before San Jose touched down for a converted try off a nifty four-man lineout play from near the Baracus 22 meter line. Another San Jose penalty deep in their own end set up Baracus' 2nd penalty kick, and the home side ended the half down 13-14.
Whatever the Seahawks coach said to his squad at halftime ought to have been captured for distribution on YouTube and use by every coach looking to right his squad. The Seahawks totally dominated the second half with five additional tries, four of which were converted by their strong-legged outside center. They scored in tight with multiple phase drives by their forwards, with well-synced backline handling, and off stout defense as well. While playing downwind aided their cause, they really just played quality, sound fundamental rugby. Baracus enjoyed a late try off some very impressive "we may be getting our butts beat on the scoreboard but we still have strong will" effort. Final tally, 47 - 18. The total nine tries made for an enjoyable day of rugby for all.
My appreciation to each side's TJ and especially to Dixon for his sage post-match counsel.
*Caddyshack reference for those of you under 35 or otherwise culturally impaired.
Seconds: Baracus – Seahawks
St. Mary's thirds 25 – SF STATE 27 Referee: Chris Labozzetta
Great game, equal number of tries by both teams, but was won on conversions.
CSUMB 53 – U. of San Francisco 0 Referee: Francois Nel
ARs: Bruce Carter, Ben Bravo
CSUMB seconds 28 – Monterey Bay/Aptos 19 Referee: Bruce Carter
AR: Ben Bravo
It is always a pleasure to see the progress that teams make in the course of a season. This is especially true when the players have little or no previous rugby under their belts, such as youth and high school teams, but also occurs to a greater or lesser degree with any team.
I've seen the Otters of Monterey Bay, who play ten miles from my house, three times this season and noted this trajectory.
Francois Nel refereed the first game so that he could play for his club side in the second one. I brought along my #1 AR, Ben Bravo, to help out on the line.
The home team was up two tries to nil at halftime in the first match, but then it rained trys afterwards; they could do no wrong.
However, my game pitted them against a men's club, although the Otters were supplemented by a coach and an old boy or two.
I think Aptos was surprised to be beaten. I know I was surprised to referee it.
It’s a sentimental journey for me: from the pitch you can see what used to be Silas B. Hays Army Community Hospital, where I worked for ten years. There I polished my craft and taught it to a half-generation of residents, including one Tom Coburn. It was a privilege to wear the green and serve our soldiers.
And now it’s a privilege to referee the best rugby union in the United States.
SACRAMENTO AMAZONS 58 – SF Fog 12 Referee: Lois Bukowski
12-0 at the half for the bruisers of Sacto, Fog threatened early 2nd half and tied it up but then it was multiple runaway trains for Sacto and they just kept on scoring.
Nevada women – scrimmage Referee: Russ Wilkening
Mine was only a scrimmage for the UNR women. Some Alumnae filled in to make it a contest.
Each scrum dropped the flankers as we didn't have 30 players. There were no posts and about 6 tries per side. It was well and evenly contested.
Sunday
ST. MARY’S 20 – California 18 Referee: George O'Neil
ARs: Phil Akroyd, Pete Smith
4/5/6: Rob Hendrickson, Ron DeCausemaker, Bruce Carter
Evaluator: Mike Youdin
Report by Bruce Carter:
We’re guessing you’ve read about this one. Even arriving ninety minutes before kickoff didn’t mean you could park nearby. Find a spot, that’s what the gate guard said.
I found a spot at the center of the pitch on the south side. Being in charge of the technical zone has its benefits, and I sat alongside Bryan Porter who has seen many big games on the St. Mary’s pitch.
This one ranks up there.
Just an insight into the referee mindset for those non-referees among our readership. When an upset occurs in rugby every referee who hears of its first thought is: who refereed?
Let’s rack the memory: I recall Cal losing only four competitive games to US college opposition in the past twenty years. Stanford in 1996. Air Force in 2003. BYU in 2009. And now this one. Those refs would be Don Reordan, Mark Wheeler, Davey Ardrey and George O’Neil.
It was a wonderful game of rugger, a beautiful day, an appreciative crowd, and athletes who rose to the occasion to perform their best. The plot thickened, the pace quickened.
Fellow graybeards pitchside recalled that over the decades, there have been key fixtures that attracted the attention of the NorCal rugby community as a whole. Everyone has tales from the polo field in Golden Gate Park, from Pebble Beach, and other storied pitches. This game seems to have caught the attention of whole community, especially when it is played on a Sunday.
And it has repaid that attention well.
Seconds: St. Mary's 5 – CALIFORNIA 57 Referee: Phil Akroyd
ARs: Rob Hendrickson, Pete Smith
After running a track meet on Saturday and running on the A side game at St Mary's, combined with a two week injury lay-off, I was not at my sharpest. A dodgy knee and slight fatigue meant that I wasn't hitting each tackle as sharply as I could have. But we survived and Cal got payback from the A side game. Good to get a run on a great pitch with capable players and a couple hundred spectators for a B side game was refreshing.
MIGRATORY WATERFOWL
Lee Salgado in Victoria:
Good rugby in Canada, eh?
I could tell it was going to be a rugby packed exchange as I was whisked from the airport directly to the pitch. Turns out it was a perfect week and weekend for an exchange as they were very short on referees. When I arrived on Thursday I refereed two high school boys’ games and ARed two others. There was a big high school 15's tournament going all which boasted a few international teams as well. Good rugby and eager minds. Afterwards my host, David Valentine, brought me to a very nice dinner at the Lt. Governors house to honor his old regiment. There was great food, kilts and bagpipes to welcome me to Canada and gave me a chance to really enjoy the heritage of the town (and yes I actually wore a dress). Friday was a Full day of rugby. In the morning it was back to the high school tournament, then from noon to about 7 pm I was at the local university for a high school 7's tournament which determined the qualifier for the next level of competition. It was such good rugby! Especially for high school! I forgot how fast teenagers were! I also got to meet some of the younger referees, one of which played for Canada on the U-19 squad. Considering Victoria is on the coast, I really lucked out on weather; it was sunny a beautiful for most of the trip. It really was beautiful from the coast line with the mountains of Washington in the background...but I digress. Saturday I was lucky enough to get a women's primer game (the first of my career!). It was between the Valox women and the local university team. I also found out during this game that I was the only female referee around so it was nice to pitch in with the ladies. My host took me out to the local watering hole that night and I got to meet more member of the referee society. We bonded on beer and musical bingo and I found them to be absolutely wonderful people. Sunday was supposed to be a light day tag teaming a fun old boys game, but the universe had other plans. As I had mentioned before they were short-handed that weekend and I ended up refereeing a D3 playoff game with the local old boys. As with most old boys games there was some whining and shenanigans, but all in all it was a great game. I guess they didn't hate me too much after the game as I was requested to be in the boat race post-game. I was also lucky enough to be assessed and watched every day I was in Victoria. The local assessor Keith Morrison was kind enough to come out and watch me; always very positive and very helpful.
It was a great trip with good people and lots of rugby, which is exactly what I need. It was also nice to do both 15's and 7's. The Victoria referees spoke highly of their exchanges with the Pelicans so I just wanted to thank everyone who hosted them before me as you laid the foundation for my amazing trip.
Eric Rauscher in Tucson:
TEMPE 24 – El Paso 19 Referee: Eric Rauscher
ARs: Jesse Gage, Rob Speers
#4: Tony Nichols
So I was going to visit my daughter in Tucson (she is doing a post-doc at University of Arizona) and Bruce gave me the contact person for games in this area, Sam Merrill (no relation to Frank). The Thursday before my trip I get an email from Sam saying that the ref that was going to do the playoff game at 1pm had bailed out so I was assigned to the game. Not a bad assignment for just being in the area. The game was at Estevan Park in Tucson. The field is full-sized and correctly lined and posted and is only used for rugby in the area. It had rained the night before and had let up by the time of the game, so the pitch was moist but firm. The sky had patchy clouds with windy conditions, i.e. almost perfect conditions for rugby.
Both teams were on the pitch and ready to go by the 1pm start time. Tempe jumped out to a lead with a penalty kick 2 min into the game, followed by a converted try by El Paso at 7min. At that point I was pretty sure that this was going to be a good game. At about this point in the game I heard a comment come in from the El Paso side saying that Tempe were already tiring. I did not see that but perhaps they were just thinking ahead (or hopefully). Play went on with a non-converted try by Tempe at 16 min, then another penalty kick at 28 with El Paso ending the period with a converted try at 32 min. Half time score 13/14
After a quick talk with my ARs and a little bit of Gatorade, I noticed that both teams were on the field and ready to go after only 4/5 min.
The second half saw Tempe pretty much dominating the scrums and putting up eleven more points (two PK and an unconverted try).
El Paso never gave up and battled their way to finish off the game in the last seconds of the game with well-orchestrated play by their forwards for a final try.
Tempe seemed to me to have the edge when it came to skilled play, but El Paso defiantly had the edge when it came to fitness and physicality.
All in all it was a well-played game by two good teams with one winning
My thanks go out to Sam Merrill for assigning me the game, my two ARs that helped me out with crucial calls during the game and my #4 who saved me from having to keep track of all that sub stuff.
Tom Zanarini in Portland:
Pacific Coast D2 men's 'play-in' match
ORSU 43 – Haggis 10 Referee: Tom Zanarini
Assistant Referees: DJ Heffernan, Mary Castle
Location: 'The Farm' Portland, OR
An early flight to Portland got me out of bed at 4:40am on Saturday to catch my 7:00am flight. Once at the terminal I learned my flight was delayed until 8:30am. The pilots needed their required rest after continuous delays and were legally forbidden from departing the gate until that time. At least that was the excuse. So, my early morning tour of Portland was canceled. I arrived at 10:20 and was met at the terminal by Mary, one of my AR's for the day. We drove into town to collect DJ, our other AR and head straight to 'The Farm.' This is not an ironic name, like at Stanford. The field, owned by ORSU, is on the inner edge of the development boundary surrounding Portland. Built onto the side of a hill and right next to the interstate. Hey, they own it, so no complaining here. The teams were contesting the last slot for the D2 Pac Coast playoffs, so I was prepared for a good fight. Happily, both teams were on 'playoff' behavior, avoiding any back talk or questioning of calls. Haggis was equally matched to ORSU, but let a lot of loose ball get into ORSU's hands. The two Haggis tries were from steady ruck platforms at in-goal, a strategy they probably should have used throughout the match, given their sizable pack. Also, lots of blood subs in this match, I believe 4 total. One ORSU player will definitely require staples in the head. One penalty try was awarded to ORSU for the Haggis #12 tripping an ORSU player just at the in-goal while chasing the ball. Didn't we just cover that Wednesday at our meeting? No questions here. 10 minutes in the bin. Congratulations to ORSU for continuing their season. I believe they play Santa Rosa next week. They will have their hands full with the Nor Cal #1 seed, that's for sure.
After the match Mary had a golf date with her husband so I was left in good care with DJ and his partner Monica. They treated me to a juicy burger and 2 local IPA's (3 drinks, total. The 2nd IPA was exceptionally delicious) at a corner Saloon. Forgive me for forgetting the name, but it might actually be the Corner Saloon. Time allowed for one more beer on DJ's front porch to soak in the sun and some great rugby conversation. To the airport and home by 10:30pm. Many thanks to Mary and DJ for their AR skills and generous hosting. Great way to spend a Saturday.
HIGH SCHOOL
Friday:
SANTA ROSA 24 – Elsie Allen 5 Referee: Cary Bertolone
At Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, it was cold and windy following several down pours in the late afternoon. Annual Jessie Williams Bowl in tribute to a fallen soldier in Iraq in 2007 (who was an Elsie Allen rugby alumnus). 7:00 PM kickoff with a sizeable audience, Elsie immediately went on the attack with aggressive play and scored a try in the corner at the nine minute mark. Their intensity continued, but Rosa started to amp up and they made a break by their outside center and scored a long one to tie it at 17 minutes. Another try gave Rosa the halftime lead 10-5. Rosa started taking over the game in the second half and despite fierce Elsie defense that lead to three "held up" almost tries, Rosa punched in two second half converted tries and won the game convincingly, 24-5.
JV: Rosa 5 – Elsie Allen 10 Referee: Chris Curtis
The younger kids had a free for all, competitive game that looked fun for all as muddy rugby was the name of the game. Great effort by a lot of younger up and coming rugby players. Finished at 9:50PM.
Sunday:
JV: ELSIE ALLEN 41 – Fairfield Prep 19 Referee: Mike King
A near perfect day for rugby at For Pete’s Sake field, as Elsie Allen played their less experienced, more youthful side against the visitors from Connecticut. This time, the pendulum swung clearly in the favor of the hosts after being bested convincingly in the 1st side match. The Lobos seemed to dominate the entire first half, only conceding one try on a penalty that was spun wide for an overlap. The beginning of the 2d stanza seemed more of the same, but some strong running, particularly by Fairfield’s #14, and a nifty pop kick by its #15, led to 2 trys. Fairfield seemed on its way back into the match, only to allow long attacks by the Lobos, to re-establish the margin. Both programs have a lot to look forward to as these players mature and gain experience.
Monday:
MARIN HIGHLANDER 33 – Bishop O'Dowd 0 Referee: John Coppinger
O'Dowd had their chances, but the support play was lacking and Marin dominated the set piece.
Girls U19 tourney in Chico
Referees: Giles Wilson, Rich Boyer, John Villanueva, Mike King, Anthony Nguyen, Mark Godfrey, JC van Staden
No reports received.
HAIL, PELICUS!
For the Senate
Pelicus Scriptoris
