Pacific North Recap: Table Leaders Making Presence Known
Northern California Women’s DII
San Jose Seahawks were at home against San Francisco Golden Gate (SFGG) as both teams were looking for their first win. The Seahawks flew out of the gate with an immediate 7 points, soaring to a 24-7 halftime score as SFGG came up with a last minute converted try. The second half was the same as the Seahawks dominated SFGG 41-12. Sacramento Amazons travelled to Berkeley All Blues D2 as both teams vied to remain unbeaten. #13 Ofolangi Mailangi had 4 first half tries as the Amazons fought to a 7-39 lead at the half. Berkeley dug in their heels in the second half and almost completed a phenomenal home-field comeback, but ultimately fell short as they scored their final 7 to earn a losing bonus point 38-44.
Northern California Men’s Division III-A:
San Joaquin-Stanislaus Rugby was on the road for the second week against Google Rugby. Google got on the board first midway through the first half, but San Joaquin quickly answered back to tie. Google added a penalty kick and both teams had staunch defense, keeping ahead 10-7 going into the break. The second half saw 3 lead changes and it was San Joaquin that scored last and collect the win, 18-21. Olympic Club Rugby D3 travelled to Chico Mighty Oaks and capitalized on a pair of Chico yellow cards to control the game and secure the victory, 22-44. Redwood Empire Rugby hosted Fresno Rugby in a back and forth game that played out in the waning moments. Fresno’s Flyhalf Alex Rylance converted his own try to bring Fresno to within 2 points with 10 minutes remaining. It was Redwood that lost the game, though, allowing a penalty try in the final play, losing the game 31-36. Napa Valley again dominated a road game against the winless Berkeley Rugby 19-45.
Northern California Men’s Division III-B
San Jose Seahawks D3 hosted a strong Marin Red team. Both sides had yet to record a loss this season and it was the home team that scored first and held on, thwarting a late Marin comeback 35-29. Jesters Rugby had no problems with San Francisco Fog at home, dominating 88-0 to remain at the top of the table. San Francisco Golden Gate (SFGG) D3 held onto their high seat as well as they travelled to Bay Area Baracus B. Baracus nearly had a late comeback, bringing the score to within 2 points with 15 minutes remaining. Loosehead Daniel Vete had the last say for SFGG as his late try secured their win 29-38.
Northern California Men’s Division II
Sacramento Capitals could not find the answer on the road against San Jose Seahawks, despite having a man advantage 3 times. The Seahawks managed to keep their feathers from being too ruffled 25-5. Vacaville Old Dogs hosted league leaders Santa Rosa Rugby and started barking early. Santa Rosa recollected and held a narrow lead at half 7-14. Santa Rosa tamed the Dogs in a defensive second half, remaining undefeated 15-26. A tough Life West Gladiators D2 denied Diablo Old Gaels their first win. Taking advantage of a Gladiator yellow card, Diablo racked up 12 points at the end, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit, 22-39. It was all San Francisco Golden Gate D2 (SFGG) as they travelled to Bay Area Baracus and raced to a 7-52 lead at halftime. SFGG then got a little sloppy and complacent with a yellow card to start the second half. Baracus held SFGG to 7 second half points, but could not bridge the difference, losing 28-59.
