California Cup Report Week 3: SFGG 36 – OMBAC 62

By Austin Brewin
​​
In recent years, SFGG and OMBAC have experienced a great rivalry, the sort that comes from being evenly matched.  This year and in this competition, it continues.
 
SFGG traveled to San Diego Saturday with hopes high, and opened the game with tries scored at 1 minute BY flyhalf ­­­­­ IZZY DONALDSON (converted) and another at 4 minutes by Captain BRENDAN DALY.   Todd Clever opened the scoring for OMBAC at 11 minutes with the first of his 3 tries of the day, converted by Kalei Konrad.  SFGG’s PILA HUIHUI, converted by  IZZY DONALDSON, who then added a penalty bringing the score to SFGG 22 – OMBAC 7.  The home team then got 2 quick, converted tries from flanker Chris Turon and center John Grant to see the half end with SFGG holding the lead 22 – 21.
 
The second half started much like the first, with DANNY LAPROVETTE scoring at 43 minutes, converted by IZZY DONALDSON.  SFGG then seemed to lose focus, as OMBAC started running downhill, with a quick try from winger Tim Stanfil, followed by Todd Clever adding 2 to get his hat trick, center John Grant his second of the day, and Nick Evans coming off the bench for yet another. Fullback Zach Pangelinan added a penalty at about 60 minutes putting OMBAC up by 55 – 29.  During this run, flyhalf Ben Bulger controlled the flow of play, keeping SFGG off balance and our defense left the edges vulnerable, and the floodgate opened.   
 
With the game lost and only 20 minutes to go, SFGG regained composure and it became an even game to the final whistle. JOE FUKAFUKA scored a try, which was converted, then John Grant closed out the scoring with his third try, ending the day with OMBAC walking away with a 62 – 36 win to move into 2nd place with SFGG and Belmont Shore.
 
The game was refereed by USA Rugby Elite panelist and Boulder resident Kurt  Weaver, who was up to pace and maintained control. He issued yellow cards to PILA HUIHUI and BRENDAN DALY, which did not effect the outcome.   Captain BRENDAN DALY , scrum half COLBY STEVENS had good games, and TOM ROOKE took up where he left off, missing last week with a red card penalty. On a somber note, JACK HALALILO who has been enjoying a terrific year, suffered a knee injury and will miss the remainder of this short season. 
 
As we come to the Holiday break, Coach NEIL FOOTE is taking our theme of ONE CLUB seriously by offering to eat Holiday supplements for each of the players, who can then continue to stay in shape for the return to the fray in January.  Challenged by my skepticism of being able to accomplish this, the Coaching Staff devised an answer, so will be holding assessments of the conditioning at this week’s practice, then again on the return in January to prove all skeptics that The Coach can do it for the team.

We do have a challenge when we return.  Only Life West remain undefeated, with SFGG, Belmont and OMBAC  tied with 2 wins and a loss apiece.  The goal – win our next 3 games  - Belmont Shore, then Life West, then the Final at Sheeran Field.  We will have a roster with great depth in the New Year, including VOLNEY ROUSE who was unavailable for week 3.
 
Early in 2017 we will have our player profiles to introduce folks to the players who represent us every week on the field.
 
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND MERRY NEW YEAR TO ALL
 
The Schedule
December 24 – Bye Week
December 31 – Bye Week
 
January 7 – Week Four
Life West at OMBAC
SFGG at Belmont
Olympic Club at Old Aztecs
 
January 14 – Week Five
Old Aztecs at OMBAC
Olympic Club at Belmont
SFGG at Life West
 
January 21 – Grande Finals – Treasure Island
1v2
3v4
5v6

---