 In late March SFGG visited Jesuit and both teams had to settle for a contentious and unsatisfying 26-26 tie. It seemed appropriate that the teams would meet again in the Premier Plate Final. It's hard to know which team was favored by the narrow field at the Stockton Soccer Complex, but it certainly did not help SFGG's wide game that had worked so well during the season. It was no accident that 3 of SFGG's 4 tries were scored by forwards - NIKITA MOYSOV #7 scored two and IAN TUPULUA #8 scored one - and the fourth was scored by fly-half CORMAC SLATTERY. Much credit goes to the forward pack who worked hard throughout this physical encounter. We lost count of the pick and go calls, but each one was rewarded with positive yards. Jesuit were first on the board with a hard fought converted try under the posts. Both teams were determined and resolute in defense throughout the game, resulting in a bruising encounter played positively by both teams. Nikita Moysov's tries both came from strong runs and Ian Tupulua's was the result of a pick and go. All of the forwards' tries were converted by Cormac Slattery. Cormac's only missed conversion was after scoring himself. Man of the match for the forwards was given to Nikita Moysov and MARK KEARNEY #9 was selected for the backs, however each and every player deserved recognition. XAVIER HARO #12 had an excellent game both offensively and defensively, and JERICHO NIKO #13 had some crunching tackles. This team came a long way from it's first scrimmage in mid January. By the end of the season, the team felt capable of competing with any team in the region, and the win over Jesuit certainly demonstrated their capability. Much of the credit goes to the volunteer coaching staff of Jone Naqica, Alastair Robinson and former HS players Eoin Sheeran, Edmond Murphy, Nick O'Shea, Jack McNamara, Mike Keane, Kevin Kohmann and others who helped throughout the season stretching back to beach sessions in November. Plus, Special thanks to Varsity coaches Tony Wells, Wylie Ilalio, Kevin Cuadro, Kevin Dixson, Ruairi Murphy and Sebastian M Ainslie (the latter, who refereed in Stockton to make it possible for our HS entry to the tournament). Also, Mike Mihelich, Bernie Curran, Kim Nguyen, Mary Ellen Rogers and Mua Milika Pulete, XaVee Haro, Meserve Platt and ALL the parents for their huge contributions this year.
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