RUGBY: San Diego Side Heads the West in US Super League

San Diego side OMBAC has shot to the top of the Western Conference points table after the completion of week 3 of the US Rugby Super League.

Playing in front of a home crowd, OMBAC downed southern California rivals Belmont Shore 20-9. The home team scored two tries to Belmont’s three penalty goals.

The match was a stop-start affair from the opening kick-off, due mainly to referee Simon Page blowing a plethora of penalties, most of which were awarded to OMBAC. As a result, there wasn’t much continuity for either side and neither team had the chance to get into a rhythm.

OMBAC’s tries were scored by captain Conrad Hodgson and outside center Jason Harper, while flyhalf Alistair Steele booted two penalties and two conversions. Belmont Shore pivot Ruan Walters kicked all of his side’s points.

Frustration told late in the game when Belmont Shore center Matauina Peapea was sin binned and second rower Cliff Vogl was sent off, for the second week in a row, right on full-time.

A victorious skipper Hodgson said OMBAC’s tight five did an outstanding job, particularly in the scrums, “We retained possession very well and we’re happy to have three W’s, although we were hoping to get a bonus point for four tries, but we’re happy with what we have.”

Belmont Shore coach Rex George said he was frustrated with the way the game was handled, “I think the guys themselves are disappointed that we couldn’t hold onto the ball and get a bit of a roll on. It’s sad that two teams came to play and one individual had such a big influence on how things went.”