Match Report

Sat 29 March 2009, Grunion vs Vegas

Sat 21 March 2009, Grunion @ Santa Monica

Grunion 53(39)
7 Tries- Oliver 2, Phil 1, Lee 1, Danny Lessley 1, Bacon 1, Wormser 1
Conversions- Enrico 7/7
Penalties- Enrico 2/2
Drop Kicks- Enrico 0/1

Santa Monica 13(3)
2 Tries
1 Drop Kick

The Torpedoes gave up a try at full time to lose to the Dolphins 13-20

Torpedoes 13(0)
2 Tries- Jeff Schott, Enrico
Conversions- Enrico 0/2

Merman- Jon Bell

The Grunion are currently first in D1 with a 4-0 record. Las Vegas defeated Los Angeles 14-6 yesterday to bring them both to 3-1. Our next two matches are against Las Vegas and then Los Angeles at Elings Park. Winning SoCal is within our reach. Come out and support!

Mer!

Mermur from the deep By Donald "Wren" Wise

Under cloudy skies but dry conditions at Daniel Webster Middle School in Santa Monica, the Santa Barbara Grunion (4-0), on young legs with quick pace, ran away with a 39-13 halftime lead to win an important 53-13 road victory against a physical and aggressive Santa Monica Rugby (2-2) club side and secured sole possession of first place atop the SoCal Division 1 standings.

Pressured early by the Dolphins massive forward pack, the Grunion were able to defend their own half until a successful Santa Barbara lineout saw the ball effectively pass through the hands out to the centres that quickly penetrated deep into the opposing side’s half. There, the Grunion capitalized early, booting a 10 meter penalty kick by flyhalf Enrico Ferri. (4:20) Score 3-0.

“They really came out at us, hitting hard, their forwards did, especially their big number 8," remarked flanker Lee Tysoe(6). “ But we stood our ground for most of the match.”

Sure enough, the Dolphin pack came storming back, securing the ball off of the kick-off and by means of pick-and -goes and inside crashes were able to march down the pitch inside the Grunion 22 meters. This style of play characterized the first 20 minutes of the match and, fortunately, due to the stalwart defense of the forward pack, led by lock Jon Bell and hooker Scott Padway, and the use of savvy countering kicks by flyhalf Ferri, the Grunion stymied the Santa Monica side and were rewarded with the opportunity to attempt a second penalty kick which was brilliantly notched in by Ferri from 38 meters at the 8:00 minute mark. Score 6-0.

Again, Santa Monica unleashed a relentless attack driving down to the Grunion try line in a steady 10 minute war of attrition which culminated in the Grunion holding up the ball in goal against the fighting Dolphins. Hampering the Santa Monica backs with consistent pressure, the Grunion were able to cause key turnovers and eventually, after returning the ball to the mid line, were awarded a lineout. Upon winning this challenge, an opening was utilized by the first 5/8 skipping wide to the cutting outside centre, Phil Francis, native of Leicester, England, who broke a tackle, dummied the ball to the outside and split the defenders for an outstanding 50 meter try at full pace. (21:00) Ferri converted. Score 13-0.

The see-saw battle continued with the Santa Monica pack once again keeping the Grunion pinned in their half. After 10 minutes of stingy defense the Grunion pounced on costly turnovers by the their opposition which translated into offensive opportunities for the speed of the Grunion backline as the combination of wing Mark Ortiz to fullback Ollie Reynoldson resulted in a 30 meter break by Reynoldson, increasing the score to 20-0 with the try converted by Ferri.(31:00)

After a knock-on following the ensuing kick-off, the Grunion regained the ball off of a steal by the scrappy forward pack and immediately, sensing blood, were on the attack again. Exploiting a gap in the Santa Monica backline, Francis once again dashed 25 meters down the pitch before dishing the ball off to the flanker Tysoe, quick in support, who darted in from 10 meters out to open the scoring flood gates at 27-0. Ferri converted. (33:00)

To the credit of the Santa Monica pack, the Dolphins did not back down and true to form were knocking on the Grunion door step in no time at all. However, standout flyhalf Ferri, exhibiting his full rugby versatility was able to hold up the ball in goal, marking the 2nd time the Grunion had dodged the Dolphins bullet. On the awarded 5 meter scrum to Santa Monica, halfback and captain, Simon Withy boldly stole the ball out the back, deftly made a back hand pass out to the slanting Ferri who, after avoiding a couple of tackles popped the ball to an exploding Reynoldson who outpaced the Santa Monica backline to complete a well earned 95 meter team try. (36:00) Ferri converted. Score 34-0.

Hard hitting, scrappy play on both wearied sides continued for the remainder of the first half as an unconverted touchline burst of a try by Danny Lessley into halftime (41:30) countered a 22 meter drop goal executed by Santa Monica flyhalf, John Ruud, at the 37th minute.

Halftime score: 39-3

“We played a fantastic 1st half, really utilized our speed in the backs to get the ball wide to exploit their back line and score effectively,” reflected Grunion coach John Neale (overheard speaking to the team after the match.) “It was a good first half effort. The second half…”

The second half proved to be a different sided event as the Grunion rested some sore ankles and bruised shoulders allowing the reserves to get some valuable playing time in to prepare for the tough contests on the schedule ahead.

With the rest at halftime, the big Santa Monica pack came crashing back tying up the Grunion defense for most of the first 20 minutes of the 2nd. With Grunion bodies left in their wake, the Dolphin assault advanced down to the front of the Santa Barbara posts and only a valiant stand in the middle forced the Santa Monica side to spin the ball wide to their athletic winger Chimedu Okolo (14) who touched it down in the far corner for the Dolphin’s first try of the day. (47:00) Ruud missed conversion. Score 39-8

The tug of war continued as both sides could not mount any form of organized attack, several missed opportunities including a missed drop goal by Ferri (53:00), knock-ons, poor ball handling, lapses in timing, and inconsistent lineouts contributed to an ugly spectacle on the pitch. Finally at the 61st minute, Santa Monica managed to score another unconverted try when forward Sean Walbridge (22) dove over the line against a Grunion defense run amuck. Ruud missed conversion. Score 39-13.

With frustration apparent and the Santa Monica side winning the second half battle, remarkably, cooler Grunion heads prevailed, and committing themselves to shoring up their defense the Santa Barbara side got back on script by controlling ball in Santa Monica territory for the last 20 minutes of the game. While attempting a goal line stand of their own, the Dolphin defense was unable to prevent a diving Padway, who proved his own versatility by switching from hooker to number 8 in the second half, from touching one down to return the favor from the Grunion pack. (68:00) Ferri converted. Score 46-13

The Grunion controlled ball for the rest of the match staving off anymore counters by the depleted opposition. In the final minutes, off of a winning scrum inside the opponent’s 22 meters, a quick feed by Withy (9) to Ferri who skillfully skipped the rock out to the sure hands of the charging outside centre Chad “Wormser” Barron put the exclamation mark on the day as Barron punctuated the match just to the left of the posts to score the final try on the day. (76:00) Ferri capped the scoring by making the conversion.

Fulltime Score: 53-13

Scoring:
GRUNION 53 (TRIES: Ollie Reynoldson 2 (31:00, 36:00), Phil Francis (21:00), 6 Lee Tysoe (33:00), Danny Lessley (41:30), Scott Padway (68:00), Chad Barron (36:00) CONVERSIONS : Enrico Ferri 6/7 PENALTIES: Ferri 2/2 (4:20-10M, 13:00-38M) Drop Goals: Ferri 0/1 (53:00-25M).
SANTA MONICA 13(TRIES: Chimedu Okolo (47:00), Sean Walbridge (61:00) CONVERSIONS: John Ruud 0/2 DROP GOALS: Ruud 1/1(37:00-22M).

Mermurs:

“Yes, if you look at the second half, it was only a 14-10 score. We have to keep the gas on, especially as we look ahead to finishing up the season strong and in shape,” noted Grunion coach Kevin Battle.

“It really was a tale of two halves, “echoed captain Withy as he added in wry fashion, “but on the day, sport won.”

For the Grunion, Merman went to Jon Bell who performed admirably and consistently, leading the forward pack by example, securing ball, sacrificing his shoulder in steady defense, winning ball as our key jumper and arguably sporting the best leisure suit for the stroll back up the coast to Santa Barbara on Wild Bill’s victory bus!

Thanks to Santa Monica for the pints and quiet evening meal at O’Brien’s!

Social score: Leisure Suit Saturday 21 – Jon Bell’s hangover/Sparky’s ankle 0

Bon voyage to Phil and Lee who return to dreary olde England tonight. You will be missed on the pitch and on the piss! Cheers lads!
(And to Sven and Ollie, have fun on “holiday,” you wankers! Haha! Hurry back now!)

MER!

Sat 14 March 2009, Grunion vs Belmont

Sat 7 March 2009, Grunion vs Unicorns

Grunion 25 (18), Unicorns 7 (7)

Tries: Danny Lessley 1, Phil Francis 2
Conversions: Enrico Ferri 2/3
Penalties: Enrico Ferri 2/4

Torpedoes 17 (5), Unicorns 12 (5)

Tries: Matt Amador 1, Dan Ovando 1, Errol Allard 1
Conversions: Matt Amador 1/3

Merman: Danny Lessley

Mer!

Sat 28 Feb 2009, Grunion vs OMBAC

Bob kept poor records. The official score was Grunion 22(16), OMBAC 12(12).

Recap:

Tries: Jon Bell (1)
Conversions: Enrico 1/1
Penalties: Enrico 4/6
Drop Goals: Enrico 1/1, Troy 0/1

Merman: Sven

Mer!

Sat Feb 2009, Grunion @ LA

The Grunion let a first half lead slip away against LA.

Gunion (11) 11, LA (10) 22
Tries: Simon 1
Conversions: Rico 0/1
Penalties: Rico 2/2

Torpedoes 0, LA 15

The preseason Ganey Cup is now complete.

The regular season starts 2/28 versus OMBAC at Elings.

We will have training at SBCC the next three weeks. Let's use the coming weeks to get DYNAMIC!

Mer!

Sat Jan 31st 2009, Grunion @ Unicorns

The Grunion rode the victory bus last night.

Grunion 21(7), Unicorns 19(7)

Tries (3): Phil, Clint, and Errol
Conversions: 3/3 Rudy
Penalties: 0/1 Rudy

Torpedoes 12(5), Unicorns 5(5)

Tries (2): Steve Baker, Danny Lessley
Conversions: 1/2 Rudy

Merman: Clint

Sat Jan 24th 2009, Grunion @ OMBAC

OMBAC was 33-12.
Tries: Troy 1, Phil 1
Conversion: Troy 0/1, Rudy 1/1
Drop Kick: Troy 0/1
Merman: Phil Francis from England

Sat Jan 10th 2009, Grunion @ Las Vegas

Lost 43 to 0

But It was a lot better than it sounds!

Santa Barbara 7's, Sat Aug 16th

Highlights from the day were watching Grunion newcomers Benny and Errol have some brilliant finishes. Enrico led from the front and when he got injured, Troy led the team through Red Rhinos and against Belmont with some dominant defense and creative offense. Play of the day was watching Justin chase down Jason Raven, former USA 7's captain and leader of Belmont...catching him on the 5 meter line after a 50 meter sprint...Awesome!

Eagle Rock 7's, Sat July ?

Had the awesome experience of helping out with the Santa Barbara 7s
team on Sat July 19th down the road at the Eagle Rock 7s in
Calabasas.The day started out cloudy and as a result fairly cool but
it didnt take long for things to 'heat up' on and off the field as
the tournament developed.Uncle Rico and the boys were a bit
lethargic initially during pool play in the morning games against
Malibu and Pasadena.These first up matches were highlighted by great
tries to Rev, Justin and Che-fa and marred only by the narrow width
of the field.Once they'd 'blown the cobwebs out' the team started to
run on all cylinders and in the last pool match against a tougher OC
Bucks side the team started to fire up.The first half was hard
fought and even.So only in the second half did the team gain some
ascendancy.Chris came off the bench and got himself involved on
attack,then there was some excellent hustle on 'D' from Woo,again
impacting off the bench and telling support play from Justin to
secure another top try. A ridiculously long two hour rest and onto
the semis for the Cup,versus San Pedro Rhinos,(no relation).Here the
side stepped up to the growing pressure and heat of the day.Simon
snuck straight out a lineout to scamper 60 yards for a 'robber's
dog' of a try.Marquis chimed in with another runaway as well.Griff
came out of his shell to score a pair of well earnt tries and the
Grey Ghost made another eerie appearance in the front row.It was
however Woo who pulled off a try saving tackle after chasing hard
which seemed to inspire the team onto an excellent win and a spot in
the Cup Final against Santa Monica's Monsters.The semi signalled a
more energetic and team-orientated approach from the Grunions which
proved to be a good omen for the final match.After another rest and
some more of BJs 'Grape' strips of electrolytic electricity,the boys
came out sparked up for the last confrontation.The SM side were
bigger and uglier looking, but as we've seen in 7s before these
arent always the attributes you need to win a tournament.Not long
after kickoff and the SM side were crossing the line for the first
try and feeling confident to take the match and carry the day.They
didnt figure however on the old Grunion tenacity and grit which
pulled the teams level on two occasions going into half time. The
try to tie the game at two scores a piece was set up by a
bullocking, 'bump and run' special from Uncle Rico, pinballing off
several defenders before slipping a pass to the Grey Ghost,(who
appeared out of nowhere),to finish off a fine effort,(Spooky stuff
from Tim).It also appeared to take some of the grunt out of the SM
Monsters who were starting to feel the effects of the afternoon sun.
Hats off to El Capitan who was 'gang tackled',(and monstered),the
whole of the final but some how managed to recycle the ball every
time.In the second half,there was another bust through the line by
the unstoppable Justin, a burst down the line into the SM red zone
and the pass off to Simon who scored under the posts and got kneed
in the back for his troubles.Unbelievably there was no action by the
ref but "ya get that in the big games" huh? After more 'tenacious
D',from Rev,Che-fa and the defensive regulars,the team got possesion
in the SM half and camped there for most of the remaider of the
match to cap off a great day and seal an upset victory over their
heavily favoured rivals.A big ups to Bonnie and the supporters and
Rich the photographer for making the effort to come down for the
day.By the end of the tournament there had been vital contributions
from the whole side.Rhino and the front rowers,(Tim,Woo and Griff)
came to the fore,at the right time, in the play-off section.Tireless
work all day from Justin,Simon,Rev,Che-fa and Rico proved invaluble
and the cycling of guys coming off the bench such as Chris, Marquis,
BJ and Spencer got them through the day.To coin a sports cliche,
the 'Champion team' won out over the 'Team of Champions' and my MVP
for the tournament was the hooker Justin who played every minute of
every game,(an immense achievement),and stamped his authority on all
5 of them.A thoroughly enjoyable day of Rugby 7s which was made all
the better by bringing home the major prize,(which somehow ended up
in Simon's hands AGAIN!!?).Full credit to Rico and the rest of the
Grunions,(Eagle Rock 7s Champions two years running!!!) and I'd be
happy to help out again next time,Baldy.....PS keep an eye out for
the photos on the website, ciao!!

Trevor