Dolphins take home opener over Old Aztecs 61-17
O’Shea Try
After amassing a 37-3 half time lead, Santa Monica never let go of the throttle.
The Dolphins came away with a 61-17 victory over the San Diego Old Aztecs Saturday afternoon to earn their first victory of the young 2013 season.
For the Old Aztecs, who moved up to the first division prior to this season it was a warm welcome to the top level of the SCRFU.
The match was within 3 points until the 28th minute when the Dolphins Sean Pypers put in a long try off a successful phase to bring the score to 13-3 in favor of the Dolphins.
From then on it was Santa Monica’s game, dominating the set piece and putting on an impressive offensive showing with Pypers scoring four of Santa Monica’s nine trys.
“Sean Pypers had another big day for us today.” Santa Monica coach Doug Bratcher said after the game. “He scored four tries and made countless tackles.”
Brian Regal Lineout
The Dolphins rebounded well from a tough season opening loss to rival Belmont Shore and moved to 1-1 on the season to take over sole possession of first place in the SCRFU standings.
The only loss for Santa Monica in the game was the injury of Fly Half Brian O’Shea who went down with an Achilles tendon issue in the second half and will be out for at least the next few games.
“We lost Brian O’Shea for what might be the season.” Said Bratcher, “It’s a huge loss for us. He is a leader on and off the field, and his presence will be missed, if he indeed does miss significant time.”
Santa Monica, (1-1) plays at the LA rugby club this Saturday for their third league match of the season.
Photos of the Match can be found here: Rene Merideth match photos
Written by David Cohen
Photos courtesy of Rene Merideth: (c) 2012 Rene Merideth
