Under partly cloudy skies Riverside took the field in a home game against perennial youth rugby powerhouse Back Bay of Newport Beach. Wearing their new black and gold jerseys for the first time the Raptors came out with their trademark defensive brilliance, running all over the pitch laying out jarring tackles that frequently separated ball and runner. Yet, Back Bay gave what they got also blunting Riverside’s vaunted counter attack back-line of the Paea clan with superlative defensive organization, and tenacious tackling as well. Just before half the Raptors spent much of the last ten minutes knocking on the door with Big Junior supported by DJ Singh bulling and spinning forward but the Sharks were able to push the game into touch just scant meters from the elusive try zone. The half was punctuated by vigorous runs and equally vigorous defense by both ended with a all nil 0-0.
Riverside responded well after the break and repeated attempted to crack the Sharks defense with whirling runs by Villi and Captain Max Paea, and counters of kicks by Jay Singh but once again the Sharks proved to be champions that they are by bending but not breaking. The Raptors inability to link in the open field at crucial junctures, and recycle the ball at midfield hurt our attempts to cash in despite brilliant displays of creative genius by the backs, and old fashioned smash mouth forward play led by forward captain DJ Singh along with the usual suspects Peaches, Stephenson, a Beaumont crime partners Jimmy and Shaun. DJ seemed to materialize at every break down or tackle and whose work rate all must admire.Into the fiftieth minute Riverside began to tire in part to Back Bay physical play and in part to poor training habits and after a series of penalties Back Bay slotted a penalty right in front of the posts. Yet, there was no quit in Riverside today as they continued to pound midfield and the fringes with runs by newcomers Anthony, Gump, and Bryce yet, as they did all day long, the Sharks were equal to the task and the the final whistle brayed 3-0 to the Sharks.
An exhibition half was played with Eagle Rock afterward with Riverside 60 minutes old and Eagle Rock fresh, EA led 12-0 after Riverside left the field tired but in great spirits and Back Bay played the second half. They were no losers only one winner and Rugby was the winner on the day.
Captains: Max, Stephenson, and DJ
Man of the Match: DJ
Next Game: Fallbrook at Home 11:00 AM.
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