Day two, weekend one. Match by match the rugby has begun to pick up pace and give fans that feeling of competitive excitement they have been anxious to see again. Day two featured two more intra-squad exhibition matches from the Men’s Sevens in Chula Vista, with the Schnuggle of Schnauzers going 2-0, bringing the series tally to 3-1. The team will now break for recovery through the week before again assembling for another two-day set next weekend, December 11-12. All LIVE on USA Rugby Facebook page. The Women’s Sevens will finalize training earlier in the week and head home for the holidays ahead of the weekend.
“The tale of two halves, Viz. The tale of two halves.” Sentiments noted on air by Men’s Seven Pat Blair to his counterpart, USA Eagle legend Brian Vizard. Match one was exactly that as the Schnuggle of Schnauzers broke out to a 19-point unanswered lead in the first half, thanks to a pair of tries from Martin Iosefo. Schnauzers were dominant on the ball and didn’t allow the Rampaging Ridgebacks into their own territory until the first seven minutes had come to a close. Match stand-out Kevon Williams however would break through for points just before the halftime whistle. A common thread for Williams in the first game, who showed some powerful running to create opportunities.
Switch to the second half where that momentum swung and saw the Ridgebacks knot it up at 19 all, following better ball movement and tries from Marcus Tupuola and Anthony Welmers. Schnauzers looking to regroup elect for a midfield scrum, complete a few phases and then set up the highlight of the match. That being an up-the-middle offload to Christian Dyer coming through at full speed. Dyer grounds it for points, leaving one final restart for the Ridgebacks to get even. Williams again pulled through with a line break, but a turnover penalty would seal it. Schnauzers take game one, 26-19.
Dyer's speed picked up right where he left off in match two, out pacing the defense on the right wing to open up scoring. This try would push the Schnauzers to four straight games with the first score.
Making his first offensive appearance, Perry Baker broke out for a pitch length try, using his patented footwork to spin Jacob Lachina in defense. Dyer would prove lethal on the right side with two more breakaways but no points, Schnauzers hold their lead 10-7 at half.
The second half would be all Schnauzers, owning possession despite some chippy defense from the Ridgebacks. Team blue threatened a few turnovers but couldn't quite steal possession. Iosefo and Danny Barrett capitalized with tries. Williams capped off a strong weekend with the final try - and a rare Perry Baker conversion kick - but it's not enough. Schnauzers sweep, 22-14.
With weekend one in the books, the Men’s Sevens will look ahead to a second slate of games on Friday December 11 and Saturday December 12. All upcoming matches, along with a great collection of Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens content spanning World Sevens circuit and USA Rugby Club 7s Championship replays will again be LIVE and free on the USA Rugby Facebook page.
