SMRC Youth Rugby Match Report: SMRC U-16’s vs. San Fernando

The pride of SMRC’s youth rugby program, the boys U16’s coached by Charlie Lydon, played their second league match of the season at a blistering pace and in searing heat at San Fernando’s home ground. The game got underway after a bit of delay with Santa Monica having the benefit of the breeze and slope.

Santa Monica’s first 20 minutes were marred by unforced errors as they tried to force the pace and break the 0-0 deadlock. A series of turnovers and dropped passes created frustration for the Dolphin side and only settled when quick ball was delivered and Walsh weaved through the defence for the first score. Santa Monica then settled into rhythm keeping the scoreboard ticking over regularly with a total of 6 unanswered tries and 5 conversions. The half stood at 40 to 0 in SMRC’s favor.

The second half kicked off with several changes to the SMRC line up which took a little time to settle back into a rhythm. After the restart, SM started to move the scoreboard again with a further 4 tries taking the score to 64-0. San Fernando then managed to get their first points on the board with their winger running in from his own 22; this was just reward for the team’s continued effort and endeavour in making the game a contest. The teams traded two further tries before the referee blew the final whistle with the score at 71 to 12 in Santa Monica’s favor.

This was an excellent result for Santa Monica although they have played better rugby this season. The best of the tries was a pick up, sniping run and set up by Clark allowing Lydon to bulldoze his way through the remaining defense and cross the opposition line during the first half. The second half was graced by a quick, clean rucks set by the forwards followed by ball through the hands of the backs. The move was finished by a nifty loop that allowed Moon-White to touch down.