Pasadena 15's

Saturday 8th December 2008

By Julian Bristow

LARC represented well at the Pasadena tournament with 28 players and plenty of supporters. The format was a minimum of 3 games of 20 minute halves, with quick turn-a-round between matches. The North County Gurkhas were a late withdrawal so the draw became a play-off style for the finals. With 1 draw and 4 wins LARC won the tournament and more importantly discovered some exciting talent.

The 1st match was against newly promoted D2 club and host Pasadena RFC. Pasadena played a good match and will compete well in D2 in 2008, however LARC was able to put in a strong 2nd half to run out winners 19-0. Johnny, Hunter, and Joe scored trys while Marcus kicked 2 from 3 conversions.

The 2nd match was against Provo, UT. The game finished in a 12-12 draw after Provo scored 2 late trys to tie up the match. George & Hunter scored trys while Marcus kicked 1 from 2 conversions.

The 3rd match was against fellow D1 club San Fernando Valley.
LARC clicked into gear for this match and came away winners 31-0. Johnny scored twice, Sean (Kiwi) and Kana also crossed and LARC was awarded a penalty try. Marcus added 6 with 3 from 5 conversions.

The 4th match of the day was the SF and we had another shot at Provo, UT. LARC played a much improved game from the first meeting and came away with a tough 16-3 victory. Again Johnny dotted down for the only try of the match while Marcus had 100% success with the boot including 3 penalties and a conversion.

The 5th match of the day was the Championship Final against undefeated OMBAC. LARC had a 5 minute break after the SF and straight into the match. LARC had lost Captain and hooker Gabe and prop Kana during the day so changes were made. 2nd rower Lucas and flyhalf Marcus (kicked 2 from 2) also came off during the final, so the LARC bench was tested. Tonga scored the only try of the match and again Marcus hit 100% with 2 from 2 at goal including a conversion and a penalty.

After 200 minutes of Rugby, LARC had scored 88 points, let in 18 (only 2 trys) points and won the 2007 Pasadena 15's Tournament.

A shout out to Jaxs for managing the team so well throughout the day and to Dave, James, RJ, Kevin, Terry, George's family and Simon's family for the outstanding support during the day.