Match Report Archive

		Regular Season DI SoCal 08	Ganey Cup 08
Summer 7's 07	DI Play-offs & Nationals 07	Regular Season DI SoCal 07	Ganey Cup 07
Summer 7's 06	DII Nationals 06	Regural Season DII SoCal 06	Pre-Season 05-06
Summer 7's 05	DI Promotion match 05	DII Nationals 05	Regular Season DII SoCal 05
Pre-season 04-05	Summer 7's 04	DII Nationals 04	Regural Season DII SoCal 04

Grunion 6- Las Vegas 22

No Tries
Penalties: Rico 2/2

Merman: Boner

Grunion 26- Los Angeles 20

Tries: Justin, Danny, Arrev
Conversions: Rico 1/3
Penalties: Rico 3/6

Merman: Arrev

Photos by http://www.digitalsbydanna.com

Grunion 29 - OMBAC 39

Tries: Danny, Scuba, Rhino, ?
Conversions: Rico 3/4

Penalties: Rico 1/2

Merman: Bacon

Grunion 29 (19) - Unicorns 7 (0)

Tries: AJ (2), Arrev (2)
Conversions: Rico 3/4
Penalties: Rico 1/1
Drop Goal: 0/1

Watch Video

Merman: John Bell

Grunion 14 (7) - Santa Monica 31 (21)

Tries: Wren, Rico
Conversions: Rico 2/2
Penalties: Rico 0/1

Merman: Judge

Grunion 21 (14) - San Fernando 3 (3)

Tries: Danny, Scuba
Conversions: Rico 1/2
Penalties: Rico 3/3

Merman: Evans

Grunion 9 (9)- Belmont 53

Tries: none
Penalties: Rico 3/3

Merman: Airforce Chris

Grunion 52 (33) - San Fernando Valley 14 (14)

Tries: Simon, Scuba, Danny, Uncle Rico (5)
Conversions Rico 6/7, AJ 0/1

Torpedoes 29, San Fernando Valley B 7

The score keeper was hopped up on Nyquil and Fosters for Torpedoes so I'll need help on who did the scoring.

Merman: Bacon!

Mer!

Grunion 0 - Las Vegas 30 (13)

We left for Vegas a little after 6 pm on Friday we took three cars including a large Van. We arrived at around 12:30 AM with 17 players although only 16 were able to play as Bacon was unable to go do to injuries suffered in the Huntington Beach match. Although we did get another player as Simon's friend Chris who lives in Vegas but plans to move to Santa Barbara. On Friday night a few of us went to the Sahara to play on the $5 blackjack table we had pretty good look

We checked out of the hotel at around 11:00 and headed for the field. It was bitterly cold but other wise a nice looking day. As mentioned earlier we had only 17 players so some people had to play a little out of position and a few of us got our first starts of the season. We only had one forward reserve and one back line reserve. It was another tough game for the Grunions as we ended up on the wrong side of a 30 – 0 loss. It is hard to give highlights of a game that was this lopsided. I remember one play where this big dude came at Rico and Rico flattened him. We played very hard and we had a few goal line stances but in the end they were just a better team at this point of the season then we were. They beat us in the scrums and line-outs and Rucks they ran through double and triple team tackles. We helped their cause by getting penalized for tackling too high a few times. Merman for the game was Clint
The rest of the night falls under the what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas category but I think we did just about everything there is to do in Vegas except getting married!

Watch Video

woo-woo

The Grunion lost to Huntington Beach 45-12

Tries: AJ, Erith
Conversions AJ 1/2
Penalties AJ 0/1

The Torpedoes beat HB B 41-22.
Tries 2 Woo, Wormser, Kian, Danny, Justin, Clint
Conversions Scuba 1/1, Woo 0/2, Rudy 1/1, Justin 0/1, Wren 1/1

Bus Ride Home
Wild Bill 1
Judge 0

Merman went to Wormzies who played back to back games and was a example to all other players of what's required for the Grunion to find their feet in 2008.

Congrats to the Torpedoes this past weekend, who played some entertaining rugby and restored some pride.

Watch Video

Mer

Grunions 19 (13) vs. LA 32 (8)

Tries: Danny
Conversions: Rico 1/1
Penalties: Rico 4/4
Drop Goals: Rico 0/1

Photos | Video

While Simon and Rhino were Brokebacking it in Tahoe “ I can’t quit you.”. The Grunions took the field at Elings Park vs. Rival LA Rugby Club for their second match of the season. The Match started out well for the grunions. As newcomer Danny starting his first game on the wing made an immediate impact scoring in the corner giving the Grunions the first lead at 7-0 after Rico made a very difficult extra point kick from the sideline. A little later a penalty kick by Rico bounced in after hitting the post to give the Grunions a 10-0 lead. LA then march down the field and bounced a penalty kick of their own, off the goal post and in for a score making it 10-3. LA then scored a very questionable try as the ball was clearly knocked on before the try, which made the score 10-8 Grunions.LA missed an opportunity to take the lead when they missed a penalty kick later in the game but Enrico punished with a 3 pointer from the 40 meter line. 13 -8 gruion at the end of the first half.

The Grunions started off right and expanded their lead with a penalty kick from Rico to make the score 16-8. LA then scored after a long goal line stand to make the score 16-13 Grunions. The Grunions responded with penalty kick from Rico, which made the score 19-13 Grunions. LA seemed to wear the Grunions down towards the end of the game cause after LA scored another try to finally take a 20 –19 lead the grunion seemed to fold like a house of cards. LA scored two more quick tries to end the match with a 32-19 LA. The Grunions fall to 0-2 on the Season but it probably not time to panic yet. This loss can probably be attributed to costly penalties and a lack of fitness. The Grunions had numerous scoring opportunities that were killed by penalties some deserved and some not. The biggest problem however is fitness there is no excuse for giving up three quick tries at the end of the game. Everyone on the team needs to consider doing fitness outside of the Tuesday and Thursday practice maybe run a few miles or do some stairs.

The Second side game was a mix of second side player’s, old boys and the Westmont team so we lack any resemblance of team cohesion but we played very hard. At the end of the day we lost the match a whole lot to nothing as LA’s team gelled together much better than we did.

The after party was cool we got to see the Trinidad vs. Jones Fight. Rico got the man of the match on the strength of his foot and had to chug and extra beer do to a missed drop kick in the game. It should be noted that newcomer Danny missed out on doing a boot so he owes one at the Huntington Beach match.

WooWoo

Grunions 27(5) vs. Santa Monica 31 (31)

Tries: Scuba (2), AJ (2), Simon
Conversions: Rico 1/5

Photos

The Grunions came into the game with only 2-3 practices under there belts and a lot people playing there first games as Grunions so nobody knew exactly what to expect. The game plan was to play sold defense and let the points come of turnovers but the first half did not go according to plan. The grunion defense looked confused and unorganized early in the game as Santa Monica scored the first time they touched the ball. They weaved there way through the grunion D scored a try in the corner to take an early 5-0 lead. A few minutes latter Santa Monica using great support exploited the Grunion defense to score another long try up the middle of the field making the score 12-0 Santa Monica. Grunions seemed to find some life as they had a long drive, which was capped of by Rico dishing of to Scuba who beat his man to the corner to make the score 12 –5 Santa Monica. Unfortunately the rest of the half belonged to Santa Monica as they score three more tries adding 19 points to take a 31 – 5 lead into the half. At half time the Grunions stressed shoring up the wholes in the Defense and trying to win the second half.

A few minutes into the Second half the grunions decided to move a few people around which included moving Rhino back into the forward pack but that was unfortunately very short lived as on his first play at forward a Santa Monica player illegally picked him up and slammed him down to the ground. Rhino then responded with a right cross which earned him a red card which means the grunions would be playing down a man for the rest of the game and without his services for the next two games. The Santa Monica player got a yellow card for the original offense making numbers even for the next ten minutes.

The next 30 – 35 minutes was something that should make all Grunions and Grunion supports very proud as they dominated play for the rest of the day. With each team down a man the Grunions were finally able to put together a long stained drive which was capped of by a score from AJ making the score 31 – 10. However the real test was yet to come as the Santa Monica yellow card expired returning them to full strength. Amazingly even down a man the Grunions were able to keep up the defense pressure and keep Santa Monica on their heels. Then Simon did what he has done so many times in touch and sevens he got what in football would be called a pick six as he intercepted the pass and trotted in for an easy score. Making the score 17 – 31. The Grunions next score was probably more impressive as they did an excellent job of keep possession they pounded the ball down the field with a long series of crash plays which was capped of by Scuba scoring his second try of the game making the score 22 – 31. With momentum clearly on the Grunions side the grunions continued to attack as Pootie broke though Santa Monica Defense for a long run then he dished off to AJ for another score making the score 31 – 27 but unfortunately time was called and the comeback came up short.
Final Score 31 –27 Bad Guys.

The second side game went a lot better as the grunions finished on top 33-24 after three 20 min periods of play. It was a fairly close match with the grunions leading after the first period then falling behind in the second before finally blow the match open in the third.


-Taiwo Madison (Woo Woo)

Summer 7's 2007

Tri-tip 7's

Sept 18th, SLO

The Grunions brought a solid squad of speedster to the 22nd Annual Tri-Tip Sevens Tournament. The Grunions averaging well over 200 pounds and about a 20 second 40 yard dash consisted of Wormser, Jesus, Spence, Tate, Mike, Clint, Arev, Scuba, Sam, Lieutenant Dan and me. Nicole, Wendy and Tates family were in attendance to support us. I must stay the Tri-Tip sevens was a well run tournament as usual, it only start about a half late which is very good for a sevens tournament. We only had about a two game wait between matches so the so the day went by very quickly. We ended up with a respectable 3-2 record losing in the finals of the 2nd tier of the plate cup bowl thing I can never remember which one it is.

Woo Woo

Santa Barbara 7's

August 18th, Elings Park

August 19, 2007 8:17 AM
MICHAEL MORIATIS / NEWS-PRESS

Santa Barbara Grunion Wren Wise, center, tries to fend off a tackle by the Godzillas' Koby Shimada (69er) during the 12-team sevens rugby tournament held at Elings Park Saturday. The Grunions advanced to the finals before losing to Santa Monica 29-17. Chris Kowitz scored his sixth try of the tournament to bring the Grunions to within 24-17, but Santa Monica pulled away, scoring at the end of the game for its final margin of victory. The Grunions were a dominant 3-0 in pool play, shutting out Arroyo Grande 31-0, Godzilla 48-0 and the Valley Dogs of San Fernando Valley 38-0.

It was a rather clear day considering the smoke filled air that we have been treated to in the last few weeks. Instead of give us the black lung we will probably only get a mild case of asthma. So all things considered it was a great day for rugby. The grunions entered two teams into the 12-team tournament. Unfortuntely that was not enough to beat a very strong Santa Monica, whic won the tournament in a hard fought final versus the best Grunion Team.

Thanks to everyone for helping on the day

Mer

Eagle Rock 7's

July 9th... WON Social Div.

It was a great day for rugby this past Saturday especially if you hale from Santa Barbara. The UCSB Women calling themselves something like Los Banditos finished the day undefeated win the championship match in an Overtime thriller. While the Grunions finished the day 5-0 winning the men’s open championship.

-Taiwo (woo woo)

7's on the Sand

June 23rd, Huntington Beach

The Grunions Started the sevens season on a positive note this past Saturday at the Sevens in the Sand in Huntington Beach. The Grunions Finished the day with a 3 –1 record ending with a disappointing loss to the OC Lion (Belmont Shores) in the Semi Finals.

-Taiwo (Woo Woo)

DI Play-offs
& Nationals 07

Record after CRI (first 5 qualify to Nationals)

ie. We ARE 5TH!! yeahhh

2nd round of CR1 Play-offs

Grunion 9 (9) vs O-Club 26 (6)

Recap:
Penalties: Rico 3/3

Mer

1st round of CR1 Play-offs

Score: Hayward (14) 33, Grunion (17) 22

Recap-
Tries: Andrew, Alex W, Edgar
Conversions: Rico 2/2, AJ 0/1
Penalties: Rico 1/2

Regular Season
DI SoCal 07

Day	Time	Opponent/Event	Venue	Score	Torpedoes Score	Match Report	Pics
SoCal RFU Red Division I 2007
Sat. 24-Feb-07	4.30pm	vs. Belmont Shore	UCSB Robb's	L 17(3)-29(17)	L 46-0	Report	NO pics
Sat.3-Mar-07	1pm	at San Fernando Valley		W 20(10)-15(8)	L 10-15	Report	NO pics
Sat.10-Mar-07	1pm	at Santa Monica		L 7(0)- 15 (3)	L 6 tries to 1	Report	Pics
Sat.17-Mar-07	1 pm	at HB Unicorns	SB Airbus	W 19(7)- 12(7)	L 6 tries to 1	Report	Web Pics More Pics
Sat.24-Mar-07	1pm	vs. OMBAC	Elings Park	W 57 (22), 14 (3)	W 17 - 10	Report	Pics
Sat.31-Mar-07	1pm	at BackBay Sharks	SB Airbus	W 75 (49) - (6)11	W 39-15	Report	Leisure Suit pics
Sat.7-Apr-07	1pm	vs. Las Vegas Blackjacks	Elings Park	W 39(8)-10 (5)	L 7-10	Report	Sideline pics Web Pics
Sat. 14-Apr-07	Fitness Baby!!!

First four enter CRI play-offs against Pacific teams

WE are 3rd!

Grunion (8) 39, Las Vegas (5) 10

Tries: Rico (2), Troy (2), Shane, Wren
Conversions: Rico 3/6
Penalties: Rico 1/2
Dropgoals: one horrible miss by Rico with a 3 man overlap.

Merman: Wren (for rookie try)

Torpedoes 7, Las Vegas 10

Tries: Erith
Conversions: Erith

Play-offs news

Photos

Mer

March 31st 2007

Grunions 75 (49) vs Back Bay 11 (6)

Tries (11): "Fairy" Rico (2), "Coconut" AJ (1) (missed 3 tries), John "My rookie try" VanderVaal (1), "low sugar" Troy (1), "Sweetheart" Gaz (2), Evan "the gentleman" Swets (1), Alex "Herr Capitanen" (1), Ed "Rainman" Pitts (2)
Conversions: Rico 10/11
No penalties or Dropgoals

Torpedoes 38 vs Back Bay 15

Torpedoes: Evan Swets (1+), Ed "Well Fed" Worthington (1), Westmont Brandon
(2+), Doogie (1?), Backs (?)

Merman: Westmont Lion

MERO

March 24th 2007

Grunion 57 (22), OMBAC 14 (3)

Tries: Ed (4), Gaz (2), Alex Walterspiel, Mark Kelly
Conversions: Rico 7/8
Drop Goals: Rico 1/1
Penalties: Rico 0/2

Torpedoes 17, OMBAC B 10

Tries: Scuba, Erith, Aidan
Conversions: Erith 1/3

Merman: Eddy Pittsy

Mer!

March 19th 2007- Grunion 19 - 12 Unicorns

The scores were all locked up at 12-12 at halftime and remained that way until very late in proceedings when the Grunions scored the game-winning try with precious little time left in regulation. The Unicorns were their own worst enemies falling off tackles and lacking fitness towards the end.

Scores
Tries: Gaza, Dropkick, AJ
Conversions: 1/2 AJ, 1/1 Rico
Penalties: 0/1 AJ, 0/2 Rico
Dropgoals: Troy 0/1 (he did not make it)

Merman: John Vanderghissen

March 10th 2007 - Grunion 7-15 Santa Monica

Grunions held on to the score up 7-3 until the end, after wasting may opportunities . But two quick tries by Santa Monica in the last five minutes hand us a bitter defeat. Last score 7-15
(Guest referee from Florida, reminded us how fortunate we are here in Cali!)

Read News for game analysis

Recap:
Tries- Captain Alex
Conversions- Rico 1/1

Merman: Evan Swets

March 3rd 2007

Short version:

The Grunion held on to win 20-15 despite giving up a converted penalty try
in the 79th minute.

Recap:
Tries- Wren, Ryan, & Rico
Conversions- Rico 1/3
Penalties- Rico 0/1
Drop Goal- Rico 1/1

The Torpedoes ran out of time and came up short 10-15.

Recap:
Tries- Kyle, Shane

Merman- Rico

Mermurs from the deep

Despite national news to the contrary, Grunion almost beat themselves and
escape with a close WIN against former Division II rivals, San Fernando
Valley RFC.

On a very windy afternoon at LA Pierce College Football Stadium, the Grunion
came out flat. For the second weekend in a row, the Grunion started the
match on the back (and bad) foot. By playing lax on offense and not
committing to defense around the rucks, Santa Barbara gave up a penalty kick
inside the 22 and succumbed to a weak side overlap, thereby helping the
fire-up San Fernando side to an early 8-0 lead within the first 20 minutes
of play.

Controlling ball inside Grunion territory for most of the first half, the
physical San Fernando side nevertheless were stymied by a Grunion defense
which never quits. While the humungous front row of the Valley pack pounded
the Grunion forwards in the scrum and were very instrumental in keeping the
ball in San Fernando hands, a combined defensive effort out of Grunion
loose forwards and backs kept Valley from the try line. After a few
excellent stops in the center by Rico Ferri and Ed Pitts and a signature
dump truck tackle by Sparky Ortiz, the Grunion were able to manage a charge
out of their own end.

Starting with some strong forward phases including a nifty run and spin at
pace by John Van Der Giesen (newly returned from US National World Cup
Camp,) and deft moves by flyforward Troy Jacobsen, the Grunion was able to
take the ball into Valley territory, keeping the ball in hand, and avoiding
costly scrums or line outs. Citing previous language barriers in previous
matches, Flyhalf Gary " Gaz" Coulthard decided to speak rugby this afternoon
and got the ball into the striking power of Ed and Rico who penetrated a
scrappy Valley backline. There was no love lost between these former
Division II foes, and a player was even known to "bleed" on the pitch.

However, the tide finally turned and a maul down the right side of the pitch
which actually included Gaz, AJ and Simon Withy ( backs don't maul...) got
the ball close to the five meter mark. Wherein, a fat out of shape Grunion
"prop" ( no, not you Lt. Dan,) ripped the ball out of AJs hands and fell
into the try zone (miraculously not knocking it on and,) scoring the
Grunions first try of the day. And the flood gates opened...

Sometimes success breeds success, and quickly the Grunion were back in the
hunt. Sensing a shift, the backs moved the ball effectively at pace, Rico
breaking for some serious territory and after a few more phases to the left
of the pitch, first year Grunion, flanker Ryan Castorino broke through the
Valley backline for an impressive rookie try. The aforementioned wind played
havoc with the kicking game and Rico narrowly missed his second conversion
attempt. That took the game into half-time.

Grunion 10 , San Fernando 8

The second half began as the first left off. Coming in to replace Wren Wise
at prop ( who stubbed his toe on his gut,) veteran hooker Ian Williams
bolstered a tiring Grunion front row. The Grunion continued to control ball
consistently in the Valley end, and reserves Arrev Chantikian (wing) and
Shane Todd (lock), fifteen minutes in, added to the renewed Santa Barbara
energy. Consistent defense and key possession allowed the Grunion to set up
shop and at about 60 minutes, Rico called for the drop goal and converted at
30 meters. Ten minutes later it was Rico again, going in for a try in the
corner and converting for a 20-8 lead. As a matter of fact... Rico probably
was the only Grunion to touch the ball in the second half after our halfback
kept tying his shoelaces at every ruck. ( Sorry Simon.)
Give San Fernando credit. On their home pitch, with nothing working for
them, they battled back, starting within some quality play by their fullback
and continuing in their pack, confounding Grunion attempts to steal ball and
driving into the Grunion 22m . With time almost out, the Grunion was
penalized 3 consecutive times inside the 22m resulting in the referee
awarding a penalty try to the Valley side. On the ensuing kick off, the
Grunion thwarted Valley attempts at controlling the ball and were awarded a
penalty kick at full time. After what looked like a brief moment of
confusion, Rico tapped the ball, sped to the touch line and kicked it out
thus ending the match.
A frustrated Coach Ken Jacobsen was overheard after the match asking Rico
for an explanation. "What the ...?"
" I wanted to go for the points-" Rico tried to respond.
Captain Alex Walterspiel calmed the usually docile Coach Jacobsen and
explained his decision to the team afterwards.
"Yes, " he acknowledged. " We could have have gone for 3 points and kept
(San Fernando) from getting the extra point, but I didn't want the ball to
hit the post and give them the chance to return it for a try ( and beat
us.)"
Smart decision, Captain. Four points are better than one. First regular
season Division I win since 1993 is ironically against the side which beat
us out for promotion in 2004...

Grunion Roster, First XV and reserves.

1. Wren Wise
2. Eric Torjesen
3. Dan Freedman
4. Evan Swets
5. John Van Der Giesen
6. Ryan Castorino
7. Troy Jacobsen
8. Alex Walterspiel (Captain)
9. Simon Withy
10. Gary "Gaz" Coulthard
11. Mark Ortiz
12. Edgar Pitts
13. Enrico Ferri
14. Adam Mitchell
15. Alex(AJ) Leaupepe

Reserves - 16. Ian Williams (for W.Wise, 40min), 17. Arrev Chantikian ( for
Sparky Ortiz, 65 min) 18. Shane Todd (for Evan Swets, 65 min.)

Tries - Fatty McFatty, Ryan Castorino, Enrico Ferri
Conversions - Enrico Ferri 1/3
Penalties - Enrico Ferri 0/1
Drop Goal - Enrico Ferri 1/1

Next Match: Grunion at Santa Monica this Saturday, 3/10. Santa Barbara
Airbus leaves SBCC Stadium parking lot at 10:00am, Camarillo Park and Ride
10:45 am.

Stay tuned for Torpedities in the Sand... coming next!

MER

Feb. 24, 2007

Grunion 17 (3), Belmont Shore 29 (17)

Tries- AJ, Dropkick
Conversions- Enrico 2/2
Penalties- Rico 1/1

Belmont 5 tries, 2 conversions

Grunion,

I am proud to say that the Grunion Rugby Club is still undefeated at Elings
Park. However...

(Due to a two minute torrential downpour on Thursday afternoon, Saturdays
rematch versus Belmont Shore was moved to the all-weather new turf at Robb
Field. Thanks to the gracious permission of the UCSB Men and Womens Rugby
Clubs, the Grunion RFC was able to swap Jeff Jacobsen's new Bulldog puppy
for a little match time @ 4:30 pm. Sans beer garden, but with the backdrop
of the setting sun for the start time, the action of the day continued under
the lights into the early evening hours.... )

.... our record at Robb Field fell to 7-1 against a very keen Belmont Shore
side. Early on, Belmont got off to a quick start capitalizing on some very
good pace, quick hands and bruising runs by their number 8, Henry
Bloomfield. In the bullfight, Ole!, is praise to the matador, however in
rugby, against these bulls, Ole! spells certain defeat and the two
uncontested tries by the Belmont side got the Grunion on the back foot early
on. Thankfully, some digging in by the Grunion pack and solid team defense,
led by our stalwart second five eights Chad "Wormser" Barron, allowed the
individual brilliance of Alex Leaupepe - AJ - straight outta Camarillo!, to
get the team within striking distance. Unfortunately, turnover ball, lack
luster rucking and total absence of signature Grunion support and maul, kept
us from the try line. Only the golden toe of the Bolognese Boot, Enrico
Ferri got the Grunion on the score board with a converted penalty kick
before the end of the first half. Halftime score - Belmont Shore 17, Grunion
3.

Coach Battle calmed us down at the half and the Grunion took heart into the
second, laying down the Belmont Shore side at every opportunity. Still, the
Grunion could not get the scoring touch, and many opportunities were wasted
on individual efforts, frivolous turnovers, and dodgy line out ball.
Scoreless into the 60th minute, Belmont racked up another unconverted try
after a series of weak tackles and defensive miscues by the tiring Grunion
side. The loss of our defensive heart, Wormser, to injury spurred Coach
Battle to sub in Edgar " Groinion injury" Pitts and Adam "Dropkick" Mitchell
for a late offensive fist. Captain Alex Walterspiel lifted our spirits with
some bone crushing hits, Flanker Troy Jacobsen got us out of dangerous
ground inside our 22 with some rugby savvy and meter churning kicks for
touch. Finally, with some space and pace, the boys in the backline got it
going. Ed and Dropkick's speed combined with Enrico's power complimented AJs
brilliance and touched off a series of plays which worked us down into
Belmont territory. On a gutsy inside move, Troy Jacobsen broke the gainline
and in some open space manuevered down inside the Belmont twenty two to hit
the streaking AJ with a lofty spinning pass which Mr. Leaupepe duly weaved
into the center of the try zone. After Enrico's conversion, the Grunion
returned to the scoring scene within minutes. Lt. "Soon to be a Daddy" Dan
Freedman and his forward pack cohorts recovered a ruck ball, got it into the
ever so sure hands of Dropkick Mitchell and witnessed the single move that
sped him straight as an arrow for 30 meters to the center of the try zone.
( breathe, two, three, four...)

The golden Grunion moment was spoiled however by the first class efforts of
a "talon"ted Belmont forward pack, and another defensive miscue opened up
the match to a Belmont try in the waining moments. What could have been a
late winning effort by our boys in our first Grunion Div. 1 regular season
match in over 13 years resulted in a loss none the less. But it will not be
in vain, for the lessons learned were encouraging and the rest of a great
season is before us.

Merman went to our second half torch bearer, Adam "Dropkick" Mitchell. If
you see him slaving away at the new Jacobsen Compound this week, remember to
get him a beer, and remind him of his great efforts which carried into the
Torpedo match...

If ever the need for team development there has been in Grunion history,
then that time is now, and the men of company B who took the pitch on
Saturday night showed us that their metal is just as sharp and they are just
as ready to wear the Grunion jersey as any.

Scoring aside,( by a Belmont seconds which was augmented by US national team
prospects,) the Torpedoes gave one heck of a spirited performance. The 'Pedo
forwards were led by first sider Shane "the Gator" Todd at Number 8, and
gave gutsy earth pounding efforts which featured the debut of our own young
bull in the making, prop Billy Thompson, the ever driving force which is
prop "Krash"na Indrakumaran and the increasingly prodigious second row Keith
"Don't call me Doogie Howser" Robertson. Grunion legends, Jerry Saucedo and
Ian Williams, provided veteran skill as new coach Tim Ahern shouted words of
encouragement from the touchline ...

(wavy lines, dream sequence)...until in a moment of dire need, Tim ripped
the cast from his arm and charged onto the pitch to deliver a tombstone
covering hit to a Belmont wing. (Just kidding , Lisa, I swear. Tim never got
on the pitch. Love ya.) ...

Dropkick commandeered the backs, putting them to their paces permitting the
crowd of 11,500
( plastic black pellets) to enjoy the natural abilities of ex(and
future)-merman Bryan "Pootie/Not Hootie" Ralston as he crashed into the
Belmont Bs, and witness the new Westmont Young Turks, Boner, at scrumhalf,
and Kyle Trippei (sorry, didn't get your number, son,) using private school
finesse.

When all was said and done however, the Torpedoes lost a close one. Belmont
Shore B 46 (29), to the Torpedoes 0 ( 1 million.)

But in all seriousness, every person in the Club showed heart, character and
spirit plus all the tools necessary for another Grunion Run to the
Nationals. Keep up the grit and determination lads! We need to practice like
we should play, train smart, be smarter ( than me,) and support the club on
and off the pitch. Speaking of off the pitch ...

We would have won the social vs. Belmont...but no one remembers a lot, Wren
dressed normal, Simon got decked by Sparky's sister-in-law and got kicked
out of the Study Hall...again, and Judge pulled a no show. Here's to getting
back to Elings and the beer garden soon.

Be at training.

MER

Ganey Cup 07

Tries: Sparky, Gaza
Conversions: Rico 2/2
Penalties: Rico 3/5
Drop Goal: Troy 1/1

Santa Monica B 38, Torpedoes 20

Torpedoes had 3 tries, 1 conversion, and 1 penalty. I was really drunk at
the time so I don't have individual stats.

Merman went to Troy...who put over a cheeky dropkick at final time, making Enrico exceptionally jealous.

I nominate Wren to do Mermers. We have to tap into his extensive collegiate
career.

Mer.

Saturday 3rd Feb
Grunions (3) 6 vs OMBAC (14) 31

Tries: no
Conversions: no
Penalties: Rico 2/3

We did good but we know we are better!!

Mer

Saturday 20th January
Grunion (29) 48 vs Back Bay (7) 7

Congrats to a new Merman from Network Hardware Re-Sale...Mark Kelly leads with two tries...shame on me for not releasing the ball and getting a yellow card:

Grunion-
Tries: Mark Kelly 2, AJ 3, Rico 1, Ken 1
Conversions: Rico 5/7
Penalty Goals: Rico 1/1

Torpedoes-
Tries: Ryan 1

Merman: Brian

Yellow Cards: Ken 1

Mer

Saturday 13th January
Grunion (14) 21vs Belmont Shore (20) 51

Grunion-
Tries: Ed, AJ, Rico
Conversions: 3/3
Penalty: 0/1

Mer

Summer 7's 2006

Santa Barbara 7's

For the 2nd consecutive year the Torpedoes took the Social Cup against a strong Kern Old Boys side, led by strong play by Tim Ahern and some new Grunion hopefuls in Rev and Dropkick...and the Fossils finished 2nd in the Old Boys Division, as the Old Goats got revenge for their loss in last years inaugural Old Bone match-up...and a bumbling Grunion side failed to win a single game in the Open Division, as San Jose and Fresno battled it out in the Championship Match...San Jose took the honors, congrats guys and good to see the NorCal representation. Thanks to Judge, Jerry, Sauce, Bob, Spence for running the food and beer all day. There was a great turnout at the Park.

MER

7s in the Sand

The grunions preformed well at the sevens in the Sand Tournament. The tournament was changed from two days to one day because some of the clubs didn’t show up. We finished the day with a 3 – 3 record and third place in the tournament. The players representing the grunions this weekend were Erith (Captian), Taiwo (me), Simon, Gabe, Lt. Dan, Tim Ahern and the Irish Boys Paddy and Jamie. We also received some help from player from the Pasadena Club.

We easily won our first match was against New Mexico 28 – 7. New Mexico constantly committed too many people to the breakdowns creating many two on one and three on one situation.

Our second game was against Riverside. This game started very poorly as we gave up two early tries and found ourselves down 14 – 0. We then got our bearings and replied with three straight tries of or own but missed two of the extra points so we lead 17 – 14. Then in the last minute of play Riverside was pinned in there own side