February Men’s Review

The Dolphins notched their sixth consecutive win this past weekend and avenged an opening season loss to long time foes Belmont Shore. In what some were describing as one of the best regular season games in North America this season the two former Super League sides smashed each other for 80 minutes and the Dolphins emerged victorious.

The victory puts the Dolphins at the top of the table with 5 league matches remaining.  “We’ve still got a long road to get where we want to go, but we’ve certainly set ourselves up to have a very successful season,” said Director of Rugby, Doug Bratcher.

Getting to the top of the log hasn’t been easy and the journey this season has put the clubs depth to the test.  “Through the first 7 games of the regular season, 32 players have played significant minutes,” quipped Bratcher.  That kind of depth puts the club in good stead ahead of a deep playoff push.”

The clubs depth was really tested in a week 4 matchup with Back Bay.  “Against Back Bay we were missing 20 players out of of first two sides.  Everyone stood up, played well, and we emerged with two wins on the day.  It’s really a testament to the club, and the type of athletes that are playing the game these days.”

The Dolphins will be at home for 3 of the remaining 5 regular season games, including a March 16th matchup with long time antagonists LARC.  “It’s tough to win in Southern California on the road, so we’re looking forward to some home cooking for the next several weeks.  What everyone is really looking forward to is a sea of green filling the Dolphin Pit, and making it a place where other teams don’t look forward to visiting.”

The Dolphins aren’t the only team doing well this season.  The clubs second side, the Barracuda, are also 6-1 and sitting pretty at the top of the table.  “The second side match against Belmont Shore featured some of the best second side rugby I’ve ever seen in my time here at Santa Monica.  Without a doubt, both of those sides could win in the first division as well.”