This was a real performance of two halves from CW. After going up
comfortably at half time, they seemed to shut off and pay for it in the
second half.
The venue was one that a lot of refs would have been jealous of. If you
ever get a chance to visit the Claremont campus, do it. The grass field
is huge, flat, well lined (with red lines) and firm and the weather was
sunny and 75 degrees before kickoff, pushing 80 during the game.
I had two A/Rs (Footie and Conrad, from SoCal) and a #4 (Woody from
Claremont) who performed exceptionally. We kicked off and the first ten
minutes were at a furious pace. With legs burning and sweat starting to
emerge, CW played to the predicted script and put pressure all over the
home team. They scored a try after 3 minutes, a PK after 14 and ran in a
further three tries before half. Infuriatingly for Claremont, they gave
their tries up easily by shooting their own ball out of the back of the
ruck on two occasions. CW ran through, cleaned up and ran in for easy
points under the post. To make things worse, Claremont were pushed into
touch just inches short and knocked on over the try line. In the second
half, they were also held up over the line.
The second half signaled the change around. Claremont came out hard, as
if a new set of batteries had been installed. While attacking, an
inexperienced full-back from Washington panicked and tripped the ball
carrier, resulting in an easy yellow card. Interestingly, CW slotted two
penalty kicks while they were down to fourteen when they could have
taken more bold attacking moves.
Claremont continued while CW continued to cruise and get lazy. They
failed to respond to earlier requests and warnings from me to retreat
fully to the back foot, resulting in two quick yellows for repeat team
offences. The second came at the very next ruck after the first was
issued. I guess some players don’t take instruction well.
Claremont scored a couple of tries while they were one/two men up, but
it never appeared as though CW were in real trouble. The teams scored
five tries each but Washington nailed many of their conversions and
three penalty kicks, making the winning difference.
AT BOXER STADIUM
O CLUB ALUMNI 24 – Silverhawks 7 Referee: Sean Peters
San Jose Silverhawks vs The Olympic Old Boys, this one was a fun and
great game to ref and watch. It was the making of a “classic” old boy
match, hard hitting, grudge holding, cheap-shot "I didn’t do that ref”
fun game. First half Olympic Old Boys made an attack from their big
forward pack scoring the first try. 7-0, then the Olympic Old Boys
scored again before half. Off a penalty, that was awarded inside the 22
meter the Silverhawks, determined to score, saw their fly-half sneak in a
try before the half making it 12-7.
The second half was more hair-pulling / toupee-tossing/Bengay-applying,
with big tackles from both teams. The Olympic Old Boys back line with
some subs, came in the second half. They started opening the game up
from their outside center and wing, putting up another two trys before
it was done.
Great day for rugby in San Francisco, last weekend snow, this week sunny and warm sky.
Thank you for one of my most fun games to ref. A big thank you goes to
the Silver-hawks and the Olympic club for hosting this match.
O Club 2 – Stanford Business Referee: Bruce Ricard
No report received.
OLYMPIC CLUB 27 – Glendale 24 Referee: Paul Bretz
Very intense game.
SACRAMENTO CAPITALS 40 – Barbarians 10 Referee: Chris Tucker
Beautiful day in Sacramento at Danny Nunn for a game played in good
spirit by both sides. A little early friction was quieted down with a
penalty either way (high tackle vs. no-wrap) and the teams settled down
to play. Capitals were too organised for the Barbarians, scoring 6 tries
(only 1 missed conversion) although the visitors did earn a consolation
try mid-way through the second half.
Seconds: SAC CAPITALS 46 – Barbarians 5 Referee: ‘Jimmy’
Refereed very competently by Jimmy, a Barbarians coach. While the score
was approximate he did a nice job of managing the game while I
brown-bagged a beer on the sidelines (in the absence of a brown bag, the
GMGs worked pretty well!) After about 20 mins, the 1st side Capitals
captain asked me if the Barbarians winger was allowed to wear his ankle
monitor during the game. Yes, there it was on his right ankle, making
sure he wasn't getting in any trouble -- he's on the wing, how could he?
I said it's probably not approved by the IRB, but at least he's got
something constructive to do for an hour and a half, and that he should
address his concerns to the referee...
EPA BULLDOGS 25 – San Mateo 10 Referee: John Pohlman
Asst. Referee Stephen Moore and T.J. San Mateo supporter
EPA Bulldogs hosted San Mateo at Ronald McNair Field in East Palo Alto.
The large and festive audience was treated to a very competitive hard
hitting game. This is the field EPA has used frequently. Pretty bare and
small. It would have been nice to referee these two teams on a
regulation quality rugby pitch.
EPA won the toss and chose to kick. The game started a bit sloppy.
Numerous dropped balls led to a high scrum count. The field being small
and the players being large allowed for little space and loads of
pressure from the defenses.
San Mateo #13 Peter Maola slotted a penalty at 6 minutes.
EPA 12, captain Jack Halalilo scored his first of twenty points for the day with a successful penalty kick.
The rest of the half saw the ball handling improve with lots of
opportunities but strong defense kept the game tied until EPA #7 Laumanu
Paongo finished a forward pick and drive sequence.
Half Time score EPA 8 San Mateo 3.
Captain Jack added three more points to EPA with a penalty 6 minutes in.
EPA was finally able to create some space for their backs and Captain
Jack scored his first try of the day.
San Mateo scrum Half Tevita Finau scored a bang-bang try three minutes
later. This was scored after a couple of penalties to EPA and quick taps
taken by San Mateo. As Finau grounded the ball tacklers converged and
the ball bounced making it look like a knock-on. But the ball had
already been grounded. This was at the 53rd minute.
The last try of the day was again scored again by #12 Captain Jack
Halalilo at the 74th minute. In between were more opportunities turned
back by some furious tackling.
Final score: EPA 25 San Mateo 10
This was a fun game to referee due to the level of play from both teams. Thanks for a lovely run.
Seconds: EPA BULLDOGS 12 – San Mateo 5 Referee: Stephen Moore
AR: John Pohlman
Solid clean game. Well played by both sides.
EPA Razorbacks 10 – SACRAMENTO LIONS 40 Referee: Preston Gordon
Terman Park, Palo Alto, 1330
Sacramento managed to sweep aside any serious challenge to their winning
this game, despite 3 yellow cards (the second 4 minutes after the
first). The lopsided score doesn't reflect the nature of the game though
- the Razorbacks had their share of possession and weren't afraid to
use it. Sacramento was able to finish more of their opportunities,
however.
Seconds: EPA Razorbacks 7 – SAC LIONS 21 Referee: A Player
DIABLO GAELS 24 – Seahawks 11 Referee: Rob Hendrickson
This was my first assignment out to Vallejo's Morton Field, and I was
pleasantly surprised to find a hidden gem in the form of a dedicated
grass pitch, professionally lined, with goal posts, sideline barriers,
spectator seating and everything. The Seahawks struck first, and went
out to an early lead after a penalty goal and unconverted try, and after
the Gaels scored an 80 yard breakaway try under the posts, the score at
half time was 11 - 10, Seahawks. The Gaels were more persistent in the
second half, scoring two converted tries after sustained drives to pull
ahead and win 24 - 11. Really good D II rugby by both sides.
CHICO 39 – Marin 25 Referee: Phil Ulibarri
The trip from Reno to Susanville to Chester then on to California
Highway 32 drops you right into Chico and only about 5 minutes from
Pleasant Valley High School. The pitch was in good order and both teams
were ready to go over an hour in advance. It was a great contest from
the opening whistle with cleanly contested rucks and some good passing
to the wings from both sides. Marin had most the pressure on in the
first half scoring a converted try but missing two penalty kicks. Chico
initiated a beautiful pop kick resulting in a try near the end of the
first half and took an 11 – 8 lead into the break.
In the second half Chico ran four converted tries over the line due to
some lackluster defense on the wing; one try came from a Marin restart
with at least three clean passes from Chico as they sliced through the
right side of Marin’s fifteen. Had Marin made good on the penalties and
kept Chico from the easy score, it would have been a one-point game. As
it was, Chico came out on top 39-25.
Seconds: Chico 0 – MARIN 5 Ref: Ulibarri
With many of the players and the ref doubling up for the second match,
it was decided to run 20’s instead of full halves. Both sides brought on
some new talent and the game was run with some really solid defense,
albeit at a slower pace from everyone. Marin scored an easy try on the
right side early in the first half.
A very light sprinkle brought a little moisture in the second half of
the match, but it had no effect on play. The second stanza was
scoreless.
SFGG COLTS 17 – BA Baracus 13 Referee: Cary Bertolone
Saturday at Treasure Island, kick-off at 1:00 pm (my third match of the
weekend), Golden Gate wasted little time with an interception by the
outside center and a quick 7 points for the early lead. Golden Gate
controlled the rucks and had a lot of possession early on, but Baracus
started exerting some of their power and scored a try to even things up.
Golden Gate had one penalty after another, received one yellow, giving
Baracus three attempts at the post, but they only cashed in with one
made in the first half for a 10-7 halftime lead.
The backs of both teams were cheating up on the line of scrimmage
towards the end of the half and the beginning of the second half, so I
tried to clean that up. A few penalties later, it cost Golden Gate 3
more points. The game was pretty even for 20 more minutes and then
Golden Gate smashed in a try to close the score to 13-12. It stayed that
way until 5 minutes from full time when the team in green scored a
well-deserved corner try for the lead. Baracus took it back down towards
their try zone, but were held. They had an easy penalty kick, but
passed on it as they were down by 4. The GG took possession of the ball
on the 5 meter line and with Baracus being offside in the backs for
three consecutive phases, that Golden Gate kept taking advantage of
(didn't have to blow the whistle), the game ended with Golden Gate
getting a hard fought win 17-13. Close game, played a bit sloppy, but
with a lot of effort from both clubs!
Seconds: Golden Gate 44 – Baracus 2nds 0 Referee: Ewan Lithgow
Ewen Lithgow took the whistle and reffed his official first game and did
a great job as Golden Gate controlled the match for most of the phases
and won 44-0. A lot of hard rugby; another day of a great city rivalry.
SANTA ROSA 79 – Berkeley 7 Referee: Tony Levitan
AR: Dave Ellis
Evaluator: Mike Malone
A beautiful afternoon turned overcast with a bit of a sprinkle, but that
change in environment did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of our two
sides playing out a Division II match in Santa Rosa. After a hard-fought
opening 20 minutes, Santa Rosa had their way with Berkeley in just
about every facet of the game. Challenged with a notably less
experienced side -- though girded in their effort by some seasoned vets
-- Berkeley was under attack most of the match and yielded too many
"track meet" tries to stay competitive.
Santa Rosa's dominant scrum play, active loose forwards, and
well-coordinated backline saw them dot down 5 tries (3 converted) in the
opening half, while Berkeley got on the board with under 2 minutes to
play via a penalty try awarded for repeated infringement on Berkeley's
quick tap attempts near the goal line. 31-7 at the break.
In the second half Santa Rosa ran almost at will, putting over another 8
tries (4 conversions). Berkeley's line-out play was probably the best
part of their game in this match, reliably producing quality ball that
allowed the backline to run and often run well. Unfortunately, their
long gains were too often followed by turn-overs and more dynamic
running rugby by Santa Rosa. Final tally, 79-7. Special thanks to Dave
Ellis for running touch and offering the odd half-time and line-out
check-in along the way.
FRESNO 63 – Vacaville 22 Referee: Jeff Jury
Mendocino 7 – COLUSA 12 Referee: Bjorn Stumer
California is basically hill country, and the hills were beautifully
green and full of spring flowers on my drive up to Ukiah, in Mendocino
County. Credit should be given to both sides for putting together Rugby
clubs in small towns far from the action, and for presenting both sides
handsomely kitted out and ready to go well before kickoff time. The two
teams were pretty well matched, with Mendocino appearing at first the
fittest one. The Colusa lads however came out firing on all cylinders
and did not stop for the full 80 minutes of the match. Colusa, long a
presence in the California Rugby scene, is back after an eight years
absence. You would have not thought them a newer side though, because
they approached the match with gusto, if not with finesse. Your writer
is old enough to remember that rucks & mauls were never the strength
of US Rugby, but how have times changed. The whole match, played with a
soft pitch underfoot, was nothing but fast moving effective mauls and
quick rucks. Although keeping all on side proved a challenge, the match
remained free-flowing throughout.
Mendocino is a well-coached outfit which showed skill and pace, but they
had a battle on their hands in containing a combative Colusa side,
determined not to mar their unscarred record. The skill of the hosts was
matched by the power of Colusa, and the first half closed with a
converted try per team. The second half could have gone either way, as
Mendocino ably deflected the repeated assaults thrown at them by Colusa.
Ultimately Colusa broke through, and defended the score until the final
whistle. Final Score Mendocino 7 (7) - Colusa 12 (7). Overall a
scrappy, but fun affair enjoyed by all. Also enjoyed was the third half
hosted by the Mendocino coach at his fine country spread. The fellowship
harked back to simpler Rugby times and your referee, as probably all
involved, thought this a good day.
VALLEJO 71 – Reno Zephyrs 35 Referee: No-show
The two teams agreed upon an un-named volunteer referee and agreed that the result will stand.
Redwood – Reno Academy CANCELED
Paso Robles 5 – MONTEREY BAY 52 Referee: Eric Rauscher
On the drive down I listened to Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Nirvana and Neil Young. The way back was more Neil, Decemberists, Velvet
Underground and Bob Dylan. Getting to the pitch was a Field of Dreams
kind of experience. You drive out through an agricultural area and then
arrive at the end of a dirt road at a very nice pitch. It was a bit dry,
but a great place none the less. They actually have access to 3 fields
and are thinking about a little tournament there. The game was pretty
much what I expected. This was one of Paso Robles first game as a team.
While this is Monterey Bays' first year as a team (after a lapse of five
or six years), it is actually two teams combined into one (Monterey and
Aptos). The play was enjoyed by both teams and therefore I enjoyed the
game also.
Two players stood out to me, one from each team. Paso Robles' #5 (Mark
Ancli) had a great work rate and seemed to be always involved in the
play. Monterey Bays' #12 (Lui Ma'aola) scored at least three tries,
breaking through tackles right and left.
With more games under their belt, Paso Robles will make a fine team.
Arroyo Grande 12 – SOUTH VALLEY 75 Referee: Tom Zanarini
A beautiful day in Arroyo Grande. Sunny skies and tri-tip on the grill.
AR had a youth match directly before the men's game. Good to see the
game growing down the ranks. On the same note, South Valley is a men's
club formed AFTER a youth rugby club, a definite plus. The match was
pretty one sided. AR had trouble finding motivation and played pretty
flat.
