The First and Maybe Last Fresno Rugby Update
Without sounding too boastful, Fresno RFC are 2-0 after two preseason friendly matches. First on the schedule were California Highway 99 rivals Kern Rugby, who fell to Fresno 12-26. Fresno opened the match with a 20-minute blitz, scoring 3 tries, successfully converting twice. The remaining 20 minutes witnessed a slowdown as Kern's Tuskers adjusted defensively, and the at the half Fresno had scored once more, bringing the tally to 0-26. Fresno's second half offense proved paltry, managing no scores, while Kern rallied well to score twice, converting once, resulting in a final of 12-26 for Fresno. More recently, the FRFC dominated St. Mary's Gaels Club 54-19 in Fresno. Again Fresno pounced early, scoring 2 tries with the first 4 minutes. The remainder of the first 40 saw a constant Fresno barrage, half-time score, 47-0. The second half, much like the previous match, allowed Fresno to empty its reserves, giving players of all ages much needed experience. The match ended in a final of 54-19, Fresno. More importantly than the match results, the post-match socials displayed the spirit of rugby, hats off to Kern as generous and gracious hosts, as well as the Gaels, who, though thin in numbers, more than made up for that in the post-match celebration. Oh, and much to this man's shame, I must, in the spirit of journalistic (hah!) integrity, pass on a bit of sad news.. In a bitterly contested match, the snot-nosed lads of the under-30s barely, by the scantest of margins, vanquished the brave, noble over-30s in Fresno's 27th Annual Over v. Under Match. The Final was 27-17, but this reporter suspects some sort of cheating... Of note, the Overs still lead the series, 17-15 - ah next year-- RALLY FRESNO!!!!
East Palo Alto 29 Fresno RFC 14
Our "official" recap has yet to be posted; but here's the match referee's report (I am a lazy yard bird for not writing my own, I know:D):
EAST PALO ALTO 29 – Fresno 14 Referee: Preston Gordon
Evaluator: Mike Malone
This was a very good and pretty fast game. There were several knock-ons and other
technical errors over these 80 minutes, but for the most part, it was good counter-
attacking, hard hitting, and very fairly contested rugby. Everybody seemed to enjoy the
match - I certainly did. The weather was great, and the pitch had a bit more grass on it
than I remember last spring. Beware the sprinkler holes though!
We got going right at 1300, and throughout the first half each side attempted to put their
stamp on the game. The lead changed a couple of times, and we ended up at 12-14 to the
visitors at the break. With a brace of tries to each side, EPA's missed conversion was the
only difference.
In the second half EPA was able to apply a lot more pressure in the scrums, stealing a
couple of feeds against the head while disrupting much of Fresno's ball. EPA seemed to get
stronger as they finished the match, whereas their opponents seemed to fade a bit - the
second half scoreline would appear to support this: EPA got 3 tries, converting one,
against nothing for Fresno.
Thanks to both sides for maintaining discipline and also for using their ears during the
match! Everybody understood very quickly that "ruck" meant no hands on the ball, and as
a result, the tempo of the game was kept pretty high.
On the one hand, it's encouraging that we made a decent showing against the defending league champs at their home. Then again our weaknesses were exposed; now we see just how much work we need to do to become a true threat in the NORCAL... EPA come to Fresno in a few weeks, hopefully we can return the favor!
