LARC v Huntington Beach
Saturday 23rd February 2008
By Marty Jones
Los Angeles Rugby Club traveled south to take on the Huntington Beach Unicorns in a the first official Division 1 game of the year. After a big loss in the Ganey Cup final to Belmont Shore the week before LARC needed a win to get back on track.
Under cloudy skies and light rain the first half was an even yet scrappy affair with both sides unable to cross the try line. The Unicorns had the share of possession and territory but LARC’s defense was solid. Number eight Bruce Rauqe put in several crushing tackle around the rucks and in the mid-field, which stifled Huntington’s attack. Both teams traded lone penalty kicks for a three- three score line. Five minutes before the half LARC finally got into the opposition 22 and Bruce made sure of the try by busting free from a scrum to secure the five points. The conversion was good and LARC took a 10-3 advantage into the break.
The second spell was all LARC who dominated possession and capitalized on a tired looking Huntington Beach. In the first minute Bruce again powered over from a scrum and kept the momentum in LARC’s favor and the scoreboard ticking over. More tries followed as flying winger Omar seemed to touch down in the corner. However, the try was awarded by the referee, but then rescinded after the touch judge interjected. LARC kept the pressure on and another strange call followed. A penalty try was awarded after substitute winger RJ was high tackled five meters from the try line. LARC finished strong with two more converted tries to complete a 37-3 demolition of the home side.
It was an outstanding second half performance from LARC who showed great composure and played structured rugby. Notable players were James Hemkin who showed great form in his third game back after major knee surgery, inside center Johnny Brown who was dominant in both defense and offense. Other standouts were winger Omar, prop Kana, center Hunter, and hooker and Captain Gabe. Number eight Bruce took home the MVP award with an awesome performance on both sides of the ball.
LARC showed the solid depth of the club by posting a 34-7 win in the 2nd side match. LARC enjoyed the cool conditions and ran in 6 try’s to 1 in an impressive game of flowing Rugby.
