Diablo Gaels Gazette

January 08

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DIABLO GAELS  8 vs SACRAMENTO LIONS 29

Referee: Don Pattalock
Touch Judge: Jim Crenshaw

Sat Jan 26, 2008

Florin Reservoir (aka Danny Nunn Park) looked better than it actually was. The pitch was slippery everywhere where there wasn't standing water. Lions simply wore down the Gaels in tight. Neither team seemed overly excited about the less than coveted "NorCal Cup"; instead both are focusing on the second half of the season which will count towards the CR1 playoffs.

SFGG SL 48 – Diablo Gaels 10

Referee: Aruna Ranaweera
Referee Coach: David Williamson
Touch Judges: Roberto Santiago

Sat, 19 January 2008

55F degrees and partly cloudy: about right for a pre-season tune-up. SFGG started with a bang and led 26-0 at half. Both teams experimented with personnel and set-plays, but SFGG's overall execution was more structured and crisp. Trailing 36-0 midway through the second half, Diablo scored a nifty drop-goal and converted try to close within 36-10 before SFGG's adventurous backs decided to step back on the gas.

Taking the field against a strong side from through out the bay area, we played the first 20 minutes with spurts of good rugby and finished the last five minutes of the first half with a strong push.  Inconsistency was our primary enemy in this match along with poor decision making and ball handling.  Second half we showed signs of what we are capable of doing as the pack did a good job with scrummaging, line outs, rucks and mauls plus forcing turnover ball.  However, again inconsistency was evident.  While SFGG SL has talent they are very representative of what is in the SL. 
It also tells us we are not that far off as they are considered one of the best sides in the US Super League.

Scoring:
Try(s) Wibholm (1)
Drop kick Crannell (1)
Conversions Crannell (1)
 

DIABLO GAELS U23, 32 – UC Santa Cruz 11

Referee: Sandy Robertson

UCSC was able to keep the Gaels in check for a half--maintaining possession, making breaks and went into the break up 6-0. The 2nd half was a different story as the Gaels controlled the ball, got it wide and put 5 tries on the board.
 

Diablo Gaels u23's vs Santa Cruz

Our first night match of the season for the U-23 side saw a hungry UC Santa Cruz Side go up 6 - 0 on two penalty kicks in the first half.  However, in the second half the boys settled down and began to play strong rugby and taking over the match controlling the ball.  Forwards and backs displaying good skills and playing more basic rugby and cutting down on miscues.
Congratulations to Coach Thompson and the U -23 side on their first win.

SEAHAWKS 15 – Diablo Gaels 8

Referee: John Pohlman

Sat, 12 January 2008

I started my day with a high school scrimmage at 9:30AM. And then finished it with a men's game at 7:00PM. Yes rugby season is officially here.
San Jose was to host the Provo Utah Steelers. The Steelers backed out last week. Diablo has been hit hard with the flu, which cancelled their game against the Seahawks last week. Thus set up the 7:00PM kick-off for Saturday night. It made sense when it was originally explained to me.
The field was in pretty good conditions. Well marked with goals posts and barrier ropes. The far side line & one end zone was a bit dark due to poor lighting.
Diablo has had a few injuries and allot of the flu bug. They had around 17 players. San Jose looked to have two full sides. Due to the numbers it was decided two 40 minutes halves. A friendly scrimmage. At least until the whistle blows.
San Jose started at 210 miles per hour. A pace no team could keep. Diablo's defense held the original swarm.
A Seahawks wing picked up a Diablo dropped pass thirteen minutes in for the first try of the game. James Hinkin, part-time referee, now playing scrum half slotted the kick.
The rest of the first half was controlled by San Jose. Big clean outs at the rucks produced lots of ball. The Diablo defense made tackle after tackle holding Hinkin and the hawks to one penalty to finish the first half.
Diablo Gaels coach Harry's half time speech, some special Gaels half time potion or maybe San Jose substituting some players caused Diablo to come out with the speed San Jose had started the game. The Gaels forwards took control. They cleaned every ball giving scrum half and captain John some excellent opportunities. The Gaels first scored on a penalty followed by a try at the 20 minute mark.
San Jose had missed an earlier penalty thus the score with 20 minutes left was San Jose 10 Diablo 8.
Well the friendly scrimmage was long gone. San Jose started making a few more substitutions and the game seemed to even out.
The tackles became more contested. No more nice clear outs with obvious clean ball.
San Jose's winger was put away for a try at the 24 minute mark.
Diablo fought hard. Controlling the ball for the last ten minutes. Most of which was in the Seahawks 22. Numerous San Jose penalties in injury time continued to give Diablo the opportunity to tie the score. But a Seahawk would make another game saving tackle.
In the end, San Jose coach Danny Latu brought down the Gaels #12. Danny popped up quickly, leaving the Diablo player thinking he hadn't been held in the tackle. The Gaels center was penalized for not releasing the ball prior to regaining his feet.

Diablo Gaels U23, 17 – SANTA CLARA 20

Referee: Bryant Byrnes

A pretty East Bay winter's day on a soggy field. Santa Clara spent much of the pre-season playing D1 teams and took advantage of space where they found it. The Gaels beefed up their numbers and played with a discipline that was not apparent when last observed. My compliments to both captains and coaching staffs.
It was – as obvious from the score – an evenly and (generally) well played early season match. The Broncos had some foot speed, while the Gaels had size. Santa Clara got their best try on a nifty line out play, while the Gaels rammed one over at full time.

Diablo Gaels U23's vs Santa Clara

Goff ranks Diablo Gaels 18th in Nation

Top 25 DI Clubs

Wednesday Jan 2, 2008 in Amateur Competitions Division I Clubs

January 2, 2008 - Best of 2008 to all our readers. As a New Year's present we offer for your consideration our Men's DI Club Top 25.
The rankings are based on Fall performance, if the team in question played in the fall, how the club did in the national playoffs, and our own observations of how the club's personnel and fortunes have changed. Then we guessed. 

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