The Riverside Rugby Killer Bees lost to the San Diego Old Aztecs on Saturday. The Aztecs won the game by unexpectedly taking the ball straight at Riverside’s forwards, who seemed to tire early in the second half. Riverside struck first, but the Aztecs struck twice, winning the game 12 to 7. The Aztecs gave Riverside a taste of their own medicine, by rolling a maul 22 yards for the go ahead try.
Both teams played smash-mouth, defense oriented rugby. The game was physical but clean for the most part, with the exception of two ugly incidents, one by Riverside, one by San Diego. The Riverside infraction resulted in a sin-bin, while the Aztec infraction went unpunished.
As in any play-off game there were some unpopular calls, but all considered the ref called a great game, allowing both sides access to quick clean ball.
The loss means that San Diego and LA Rugby will represent SCRFU in the upcoming national championship tournament in South Carolina. We wish San Diego and LA Rugby the best of luck with their play-off endeavors, and hope they bring the championship back to Southern California, where it belongs!