Saturday's a Rugby Day!
Tomorrow we take on Sacramento State in our own version of the Causeway Classic... as long as the rain and field conditions don't get the games canceled. After two solid preseason games and weeks of good practices, we're feeling ready. Here's a quick recap of how the pre-season has gone to catch you up...
Our first match was Saturday 10/26 against Berkeley Men’s Rugby Club and our A side came out on top winning 31-26, followed by a valuable development-focused B-side game. The Aggie defense this year has been solid, forcing each side’s opponents to truly earn every point they get. Vice Captain Keihan Infantes notes that with “a lot of new players in the team and a lot of chemistry to still build, it has only improved game after game” with “a lot of room to keep going.” No matter where we are though, Davis HITS, with Keihan also pointing out that “everyone on our team is loving the physical aspect of the game.”
Joseph Almuhana (#7) scores a try against Berkeley to extend the lead to 26-14 with Captain George Zavala (#2) and Prop Jack Hansen (#1) in close support
Captain George Zavala added that the “rookies are making a big impact” this year, in addition to returning players. Specifically, he highlights our new starting fly-half, Donald Ng, and rookie forwards, Sully Rothwell, and Emilio Cardenas, as having contributed extensively to the team’s recent success.
Last weekend, the team hosted the San Jose Men’s Rugby Club in a full-sided game broken into 20 minute quarters where both A and B side players were on the field together as a final chemistry-building and experience-gathering match. While the Aggies were eventually outmatched 14-24, our leadership feels the game was a resounding success given that the A-side held the Seahawks scoreless in the first half 14-0. Then the newer players had the opportunity to battle side by side with experienced players against tough competition. In addition to the solid and physical defensive work, consistent line breaks and just-missed scoring opportunities show the promise of a potentially lethal offense to boot.
Our focus at practice this week has generally been situation-based, with lots of pod work and ensuring that we support our teammates during line breaks. Overall, the team is excited for our first official season test, away against the Hornets at Sacramento State tomorrow on their IM Field.
As always if you’re available and in the area we would love to see you come support the lads doing what we love!
Stingers down baby, and GO AGS!
See you soon,
Aiden Trojak
Club Secretary
Aggies after the Berkeley match (left to right): Nic Allen (#15), Maxwell Burns (#8), Ryan Morimoto (#13), George Zavala (#2, Captain), Joseph Almuhana (#7), Keihan Infantes (#9, Vice Captain), Travis Orem (#11), and Joe Lenning (#6)
Also… a big THANK YOU to our supporters who have helped with donations for this season. If you haven’t yet but you are able, please click here to help out. As a Sports Club run by students and volunteer coaches, we appreciate every contribution however small or big!
UPDATED 11/22 at 5:36PM. SAC STATE MATCH CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER AND FIELD CONDITIONS!!! NO MATCH TOMORROW!