Match Report / Photos
CBHS 20 - Vacaville Black Dogs 0
In the opening day for a school just restarting its rugby program after a 15 year layoff, Christian Brothers showed that it has a wonderful core group of kids. 19 healthy players suited up. Tough forwards, and swift backs.
The halfback combination of Nate Bollinger and Joe Malm showed great leadership. Fullback Joe Perez and Wing Mike Maestretti, both soccer standouts, scored long trys racing around the outside of the Black Dogs defense, while forward Alfredo 'Sauce' Castillo punched a hard one up the middle. Daniel Castano played his first match ever at #8 and was very solid, while Gilberto Vaca played his first match ever in the forward pack at flanker, and ended up "Man of the Match!" Gilbert, also a soccer star, but a bit more solid at 170 lbs., had been stuck out at wing awaiting the ball in preseason games, but at the side of the scrum found a home tackling, tackling and tackling some more. And, leading the charge straight up field, even as he grimaced each time he went into contact. The match ended with Vacaville knocking hard at the door, but Brothers delivering a brillant goalline stand!
