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OMBAC Falls Short After Strong Start
(Santa Monica, CA) 1 February 2003 -- OMBAC traveled to Santa Monica this past weekend knowing it would be their toughest game since their loss to Belmont Shore at the start of the league season. OMBAC would be without Alister Steele, their starting flyhalf and goal kicker, who was out with a pulled groin muscle, and their captain, Conrad Hodgson, who was overseas with the Eagle 7s team. They were also without the services of their new Eagle center, Riaan Hamilton, who was with Conrad and the USA team (due to arrive Feb. 17). However, OMBAC got off to a quick start as their forwards immediately put some nice phases together and delivered quick recycled possession to the back line, allowing Jason Harper to score from his wing position only 3 minutes into the game. The conversion attempt was missed. A few minutes later Andrew Webb, one of OMBACs new centers, took the ball head on into a tremendous collision with two Santa Monica defenders, which sidelined "Drew" for the rest of the game with strained knee ligament! Only twelve minutes later OMBAC came back and again recycled quickly through multiple phases to put Jason Harper into the end zone untouched for five more points. Again, the conversion attempt was missed. Santa Monica was able to penetrate OMBAC territory only enough to draw a penalty and come away with a successful 3 point penalty conversion. Five minutes later Santa Monica converted a second penalty kick for 3 more points. At 35 minutes into the first half OMBACs flyhalf, Jarrod Faul, managed a drop goal from about 30 meters out to add 3 more to their point total. Just before the end of the first half OMBAC flanker, Dan Payne, broke into the clear from about 30 meters out to score the last try, and the final points, of the half. OMBAC had a clear lead at the half with the score 18 to 6, however, it was a concern that none of their three conversion attempts had been successful. In the second half Santa Monica immediately started the scoring by converting an OMBAC penalty into 3 points. Only minutes later Santa Monica was able to finally crack the OMBAC defense to score their first try of the match. With the score now at 18 to 14 with 30 minutes left to play in the second half it was anybody's game. OMBAC seemed to lose the aggressive, cohesive style of play that was successful for them in the first half. Santa Monica seeing the game within their grasp became even more determined. The game went back and forth with scrappy play and numerous penalties without either side being able to maintain the continuity necessary to put points on the board. Then, with only about 3 minutes left in the game Santa Monica was able to drive down to within 5 meters of OMBACs goal line. Both sides were desperately trying to control possession and the ball changed hands several times. Unfortunately, it was Santa Monica who was finally able to drive the ball over for the final score, after time had expired, to notch their first win against OMBACs first side, that they could remember. Final score Santa Monica 19, OMBAC 18. Mark Easbey was the man of the match for OMBAC with his aggressive defensive play around the base of the scrum. Next weekend against Newport Beach's Back Bay team, OMBAC will be looking forward to the insertion of Henry Schaaf into the lineup at # 8, who recently arrived from the Warratahs in Australia. Big lock, Eric Anderson, will also be returning from his professional duties at Moseley in England by early March for the start of the RSL (Rugby Super League). OMBAC is also still trying to secure the services of one more high level center from overseas. Against Santa Monica OMBAC's second side easily put away the opposition 65 to 7. There were several standout players in the lopsided game, however, captain and flanker Eric Stewart was the man of the match for his lead by example style of play. Also, looking very sharp is young Rocky Matatumua at flyhalf, who may soon get a look on the Division I, first side.
Source: OMBACRugby.com
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