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OMBAC TURNS BACK OLD BLUE 24-12; GETS READY FOR CHICAGO: Locals find the going tough in physical battle
(San Diego, CA) 17 May 2003 -- The OMBAC rugby team found out first hand that things are a little different come postseason time. After going through the regular season a perfect 7-0, OMBAC was taken to the limit by Old Blue New York in a bruising encounter at the Little Q before coming out on top 24-12. The win keeps OMBAC in the hunt for its first ever Super League title. They host the Chicago Lions, 19-18 winners over the Dallas Harlequins, on Saturday, May 31, with a 3:00 p.m. start at the Little Q. Going into the wind in the first half, talented center Siaa Taveuveu intercepted a pass, gathered his own kick ahead and outpaced the defense to the try zone to give OMBAC the 5-0 lead just four minutes into the match. Old Blue, behind their big forward pack, got down deep into OMBAC territory as #8, Caine Elisaria, rumbled to the five meter line before being dragged down by his opposite, Henry Schaaf. Old Blue maintained the pressure and after several unsuccessful rushes at the OMBAC line, the ball was sent wide to former United States National Team players Chip Curtis and Dan Kennedy who teamed up to cross over for the visitor’s first try of the day. The rest of the half saw both teams threaten but bone-crushing defense froze the score at 5-all at intermission. After the restart, Old Blue made the first move in attempting to break the tie, advancing deep into OMBAC turf. But a lost ball ten meters short of the line was quickly snappled up by OMBAC hooker Matt Wyatt. He carried ahead 20 meters before offloading to Jason Harper, OMBAC’s best back on the day. The big winger galloped another 40 meters before making space for Kenny Wilson who finished off the move, edging OMBAC back out in front in the process, 10-5. Alistair Steele made up for two early misses with a successful conversion to give OMBAC a seven-point cushion. The game went back and forth for the next 25 minutes as both teams called on their reserves for help. OMBAC got a bit more breathing room as flyhalf Rocky Matatumua touched down after a good passage of recycling by the Blue and Whites. Steele added another two as the lead stretched to 19-5 with just over ten minutes to play. OMBAC emptied its bench getting some fresh legs on the field but that didn’t prevent Old Blue from once again getting within striking distance. Close to full-time, Old Blue managed one more attack into OMBAC territory and was able to make it a seven-point differential as they notched their second try. Leading 19-12 with only a few ticks left on the clock, substitute flanker Guy Dotan snatched up a loose ball and carried it the final 20 meters to secure the win. Final score: OMBAC 24 – Old Blue 12. While OMBAC hosts the Lions in one semifinal, Belmont Shore remained unbeaten as they won at home against PAC 37-11. They’ll host the defending champions, Gentlemen of Aspen, 34-16 winners over San Francisco Golden Gate.
Source: OMBACRugby.com
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