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Author: Lief
Date submitted: March 7, 2002

The SLO boys headed down to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego full of expectation to take on US Rugby powerhouse club OMBAC on Saturday. A strong traveling party of 20+ made the six-hour trip and spirits were good.

For the first 15 minutes of the game San Luis actually had the upper hand, spending more than half that time in opposition territory. They were awarded several penalties, and created a handful of promising raids on the OMBAC line. That opening assault, unfortunately, would be the last time San Luis would challenge for the game.

The big, athletic OMBAC forward pack started turning up the heat, consistently creating multiple phases for their eager backline to capitalize on. Tries started coming thick and fast despite the gallant efforts of stand-in skipper Paul Cappellano to rally his troops. The floodgates opened in the second half, as the entire OMBAC XV ran rampant through a gutsy, but out-classed San Luis outfit.

It was questionable whether or not that OMBAC team should even have been allowed to compete in Division 2 - they were clearly a class above - which is a difficult problem that the Union’s administration needs to deal with. There were no sour grapes from the San Luis players, who took the defeat admirably and hopefully learnt something in the process. Craig Marlo was the pick of the San Luis team, and played like there was no tomorrow with his typically direct, no-nonsense style. It was a winning performance in a losing team. Having said that, every player to a man did himself and the club proud – at no stage did anyone lie down and give up - full credit to all who made the pilgrimage south. The game also marked the last time the team will see dynamic flanker Scott Lucas in the red, black and gold. Scott is moving back home to Connecticut and we will all miss him and wish him all the best. Keep playing the game, mate!

On a happier note, the San Luis B side pulled off the upset of the season by clinching a hard fought victory over their higher rated opponents. The 12-5 final score was a fair indication of the game, with both teams in with a chance to win it, but it was SLO who took their opportunities and ran away with the points. Notable performances came in the shape of prop Troy Javadi - playing his very first game and showing signs of limitless potential, and rookie winger Luc Gooden who looked dangerous each time he touched the ball. It was also great to see one of SLORFC’s favorite sons Ian Hunter pull on the number 10 jersey after years in the rugby wilderness. He showed glimpses of his old magic as he the defense baffled every time he had the ball.

The after party moved from the Camel’s Breath to the Beachcomber in Mission Beach, where most of the team partied the night away. If anyone finds Rocker (a.k.a. Paul Devlin), last seen passed-out on the pool table, please pass on the details of his whereabouts to slorugby.com.


Score: OMBAC 68 defeated San Luis Obispo 0

MVP: Craig Marlo

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