Dolphins fall short v Belmont

Belmont Shore 35, Santa Monica 24

Belmont Shore kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a 35-24 win over Santa Monica. The match was fairly even throughout the first half. Both teams traded tries early. The Dolphins, who once again played an expansive game but had trouble on the defensive end, went into the half with a lead after Alan Gibbon scored a try that Mathieu Lesgourgues converted to make it 12-5. Santa Monica have held the lead at the half in seven of their nine losses this season.

The second half belonged to Belmont. They scored 25 unanswered points to take a 30-12 lead. James Muse added his second try of the match while Simione Kuli, Pasi Iosia, and Peter Sio all added one. Muse also had a penalty. Ken Aseme was able to respond for Santa Monica but a try from Peter Dahl would seal the match. The Dolphins did get a late additional score from hooker Epi Kalemani which Lesgourges converted.