Riverside Rugby

The Riverside Under-19’s traveled to Fullerton to play a spirited side that included an U-19 Eagle. Fullerton capitalized on the slow starting Raptors by putting two quick tries on Riverside for an early 10-0 lead with barely 5 minutes elapsed. The boys from Riverside maintained their composure and played the rest of the half in the Fullerton end of the field. Despite several knock ons and forward passes that denied Riverside scores, Junior “Big” Laufaao capped a punishing series of rucks and bulled over for a try ten minutes before the half. First time captain Max Paea followed shortly after with brilliantly evasive running for a try that was converted by Stephenson “China” Bulger a former Fullerton player for a 12-10 advantage at the half.
After the break Fullerton demonstrated their poise and opportunism by catching Riverside sleeping on a restart and danced in for a try and conversion to regain the lead 17-12 a mere minute into the second half. Not to be out done scrum-half  David Paea, and Fly-half Villi Paea demonstrated superior ball handling and decision-making skills to press forward and with the Riverside pack led by co-captains  Una and DJ  Singh  repeatedly  making  crushing rucks, and recycles. Then,  “Bigs” Laufaao made devastating two 2nd phase runs and Riverside quickly regained the advantage 22-17.  After shaking off a leg cramp  Max  Paea  scored once more with a lyrical free form run from almost 60 meters out. Just before the whistle Junior “Peaches” Sandoval gathered in an errant line-out and David Paea flash a light quick pass to the back line for a final try for the 32-17 finally score.
Overall the game was characterized by machine forward play, matched by crushing tackles that opened the door the U-1p’a signature counter-attacks. It was a well played game that all should be proud.