Riverside Rugby

Riverside Rugby Featured in Article in Press Enterprise

webmaster — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:27:58 +0000

Riverside Rugby was featured in an article by the Press Enterprise newspaper. The article focuses on the growth of Rugby in the U.S and in the Inland empire in particular.

The video does a good job of focusing on the game of rugby, and on Riverside Rugby’s particular flavor of teamwork and game development.

Riverside Rugby has made the playoffs, and has a playoff game on April 19 against Beaumont.

You can see the article here:

Riverside Under-19’s Lose Battle Against Back Bay

Lopez — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:07:53 +0000

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.

Riverside Under 19s defeat Fullerton, 32-17

Lopez — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 23:22:41 +0000

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.

Riverside U19 @ Escondido

webmaster — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:14:03 +0000

The game begins at 10:30 AM so you must leave the Riverside area by 8:30 AM because of freeway construction delays. Please bring copies of your paperwork if you have not already done so. Start sorting out carpools and your rides tonight instead of calling me on Friday evening. For those of you that want to participate in the Riverside Men’s Second Game in Escondido talk to me first.

1: From Reid Park-Start out going SOUTH on N ORANGE ST toward CHASE RD. 0.1 miles Map
2: Turn LEFT onto CHASE RD. 0.3 miles Map
3: Turn RIGHT onto W LA CADENA DR. 0.4 miles Map
4: Merge onto I-215 S via the ramp on the LEFT toward RIVERSIDE. 0.7 miles Map
5: I-215 S becomes CA-91 W. 38.1 miles Map
6: Take the EUCLID ST exit- EXIT 27. 0.2 miles Map
7: Turn RIGHT onto S EUCLID ST. 1.6 miles Map
8: Turn RIGHT onto W FERN DR. <0.1 miles Map
9: Turn RIGHT onto CASA BLANCA DR. <0.1 miles Map
10: Turn LEFT onto BARRIS DR. 0.1 miles Map
11: End at 732 Barris Dr Fullerton, CA 92832-1002, US Map
Total Est. Time: 45 minutes Total Est. Distance: 41.91 miles

Team Itinerary

8:45 to 9:30 Arrive at Golden Hill School, 732 Barris Drive Fullerton, CA
9:35 to 9:40 Boot-Up and Suit-Up
9:40 to 9:45 Coaches Selections while players’ survey and walk pitch
9:45 to 10:00 Dynamic Warm-Up
10:00 to 10:25 Split Between backs and Forwards
10:25 to 10:30 Final Instructions and Team Prayer
10:30 to 11:30 Play Like Champions
11:30 to 12:00 Team Meal
12:00 to 1:00 Return

Riverside Youth Rugby U19 Team bested by NC Barbarians

Lopez — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:41:06 +0000

The U-19 Killer Bees lost a physical match played in Carlsbad 24-12 against the NC Barbarians.

Riverside Advances to 3-0.

Lopez — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:54:59 +0000

Riverside Rugby’s men’s team played a scrappy SLO side that saw a close fight early before Riverside’s experience, and powerful running wore the opposition down 33-10. The double Dave’s center team (Samoa Dave and Aussie Dave) set the pace with aggressive runs.

Newcomer of the year winger RJ scored for the second consecutive game. Keith Cox’s consistent efforts in the forward pack was recognized by being awarded the Man of the Match. Unfortunately Quentin McCray, who scored the first try, was badly injured and taken off the field by ambulance and will undergo surgery today to repair his leg/ankle.

Directions to North County Ghurkas

webmaster — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:28:49 +0000

The field is:
Magnolia Elementary School, 1905 Magnolia Ave, Carlsbad, CA
Directions from Riverside are:

5: I-215 S becomes CA-91 W. <0.1 miles Map
6: Merge onto I-215 S toward SAN DIEGO / INDIO. 35.8 miles Map (BIG DELAYS GOING TO MO VAL)
7: I-215 S becomes I-15 S. 15.2 miles Map
8: Take the CA-76 exit- EXIT 46- toward PALA / OCEANSIDE. 0.5 miles Map
9: Turn RIGHT onto PALA RD / CA-76. Continue to follow CA-76 W. 13.3 miles Map
10: Turn RIGHT onto DOUGLAS DR. 0.1 miles Map
11: Turn LEFT onto MISSION AVE. 0.3 miles Map
12: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto S EL CAMINO REAL / CR-S11 S. 4.4 miles Map
13: Turn RIGHT onto CHESTNUT AVE. 0.4 miles Map
14: Turn LEFT onto MONROE ST. <0.1 miles Map
15: Turn RIGHT onto MAGNOLIA AVE. <0.1 miles Map
16: End at 1905 Magnolia Ave
Carlsbad, CA 92008-2632, US

Riverside Advances to 2-0, tied for First Place with the Old Aztecs

webmaster — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:59:28 +0000

Riverside has advanced to 2-0 in the Southern California Rugby Football Union White Division. The Killer Bees now lead the Northern Region, and are tied for first place in the overall SCRFU White Division competition with The San Diego Old Aztecs.

Last Season, Riverside split the first of two hard fought battles with the Aztecs. The third and decisive battle went in the Aztec’s favor, and ended Riverside’s play-off hopes.

Riverside and the Old Aztecs will face each other again in the climactic season finale on April 5th, at Riverside’s home field in Reid Park.

Parents and Spectators of Riverside Youth Rugby

webmaster — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:40:43 +0000

There have been a number of on field incidents these part two weeks that I finding revolting and unbecoming to the game of rugby. I feel as if the components of rugby that the coaches are teaching and attempting to reinforce in practice are not being encouraged by sideline behavior during our games. In fact our code of conduct is being diminished by certain sideline elements at home games, and I feel that the some kids are being encouraged by sideline elements to behave in a manner contrary to the game, and contrary to what were are trying to accomplish as educators, and coaches.

We have not charged membership dues or any fees to parents or families in order to provide cost free participation for the kids, largely at my own expense, and the expense of sponsors and the Board of Trustee’s of Riverside Amateur Rugby Football Association. We are on a probationary status and I will not see rugby ruined for the many because of behavior of the few.

Therefore, we cannot allow this behavior to continue unabated. Rather than bring further discredit to the dignity of the game, or jeapordize our entire program, I will impose the following:

The players that repeatedly flagrantly foul another opposing player will be suspended for the remainder of the season. This is a zero tolerance policy.
I will encourage referees to yellow and red card our players at the slightest infraction of sportsmanship.
If spectators cannot reinforce the code of conduct demanded by coaches we will forfeit every home game or play the remainder of our schedule on the road. I have noticed a remarkable difference in behavior on the road and trace it back adverse encouragement from the sidelines.

Please do not penalize the children further by encouraging poor behavior and sportsmanship. They want to be entertaining and they want to please you: the fans, the parents, and spectators.

We really need your positive support. Otherwise we will not be allowed in the league next year.

Coach Lopez

Riverside Rugby Wins Season Opener

webmaster — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:10:02 +0000

Riverside Rugby won it’s season opener against Pasadena Rugby 26-10. Next week, Riverside faces perennial rivals Back Bay RFC.