VALLEJO 47 – McGeorge 3 Referee: Phil Ulibarri
Assistant Referee: Bjorn Stumer
Referee Coach: Dixon Smith
Every day’s a rugby day but some rugby days are better than others especially if it means leaving sub-freezing climes for sunny California. So goodbye Reno. Hello Vallejo. The referee braved possible closure of Donner Summit and like any GOOD Nevada gambler was rewarded with a payout – good weather and good rugby made for a great Saturday.
A very well disciplined Vallejo team of nearly thirty players were eager to stretch their legs on the Mare Island pitch. McGeorge showed up short-handed and burrowed a half dozen or so players. Both sides were agreeable to four 20-minute quarters. Vallejo’s ref briefing took place in their small and cozy locker room – just off the pitch. The facility even has a referee’s dressing room and the field has full lighting for nighttime practice and fixtures. The pitch was roped, flagged and lined. The fields chairman had to be reminded of pads on the goal posts and the five-meter was just a tad off but as this was to be a friendly match, some slight adjustments were made and the game was played in the true spirit of ruby camaraderie.
Vallejo struck first and fast. Four tries and conversions in the first two quarters were answered by only one penalty kick by the future barristers. Halftime ended with Vallejo ahead 28-3. Second half brought the Vallejo 15 three tries and two conversions, all unanswered points with the game ending 47 – 3.
Excellent backline movements incorporating fast cuts back to the inside proved too much for McGeorge for the majority of the scoring. Vallejo does have some big strong youngsters in the pack who will be difficult for some other teams to handle as the season progresses.
Thanks to Vallejo for hosting an excellent venue, game and post–match meal. Thanks also to assistant referee Bjorn Stumer for making the trip and referee coach/evaluator Dixon Smith for help on the day.