Match Report
Sacramento Valley Rugby Conference Playoffs: Christian Brothers JV 24 - Cordova Lancers JV 12
Brothers Rugby is winning rugby! On the considerable shoulders of Big Ben Claridad and Alfredo 'Sauce' Castillo, the powerful running of Daniel Castano, the guts and guile of Justin Walters, and the wonderful field generalship of Joe Malm, Falcons Rugby came back from a 12-7 halftime deficit, to roll over the Lancers of Cordova High 24-12. Great stuff Brothers!
Though down at the half, we never doubted ourselves. Cordova benefitted from a few lapses, but otherwise we had controlled the game til halftime.
Lots of hustle from the Pack, which included Luca Bertini and Miguel Reyes splitting time at hooker (Miguel in his first game back from a broken bone in his foot), Joe Pane at prop spelling the seniors Big Ben and Sauce, Robert Kwoka, Garrett Thomas and Leo Vellutini at lock, forwards captain Mike Macaluso, Gilbert Vaca and Jeremy Crittendon at the flank, and a human wrecking crew of Castano and Macaluso splitting time at #8.
We won the scrums and lineouts, and in the end owned the rucks as well, thus garrantying the bulk of possession on the day. It was interesting watching Big Ben fume when he came out briefly in the second half. His play when he returned clearly destoyed all Lancers' hopes! The Lancers improved their play since we last saw them, clearly proud to defend their home turf, but Brothers' fitness, toughness, commitment in support and overall team discipline would not be denied.
Nate Bollinger played great again at scrumhalf, but he was especially wise on this day to just keep feeding his flyhalf! It was Joe Malm's surgical percision in the distribution of ball to his outside backs, thru his own forays deep into the Lancer defense, and especially with wise use of his foot that controlled our club's grip on an overwhelming dominance of field territory.
On his outside, Justin Walters was amazing, tackling men nearly 100 pounds heavier with ease, poaching and darting away with critical possessions at the tackle, and making some great runs and fine passes of his own. A scary moment when Justin tried to kick under pressure is forgiven.
The Deep Three was covered by Albert Tapia (nice try in the 1st half!), Connor Adam and Joe Perez. Julian Castano came in for the second half and did very well indeed. And we got one big minute out of brothermanSal!
Behind 7-12 at half, we scored and converted a try, we to talke a 14-12 lead. And then scored again late, unconverted, to go up merely 19-12. The game was still too close, and give the Lancers' credit, they would not quit! It was only with 2 minutes to go that we scored again to ice it. Second half tries were scored by Justin Walters, Joe Malm and (the mystery rugger?!).
Man of the Match jointly goes to Joe Malm and Justin Walters, with highly honorable mention going out to Ben Claridad and Daniel Castano!
Let's fill the sidelines Thursday on Campus. Kickoff will again be at 4:30.