For all celebrating today, the most romantic holiday of the year, we welcome a Valentine's Day 6 Pack special preview with lots of love being shared throughout the Club rugby atmosphere. So, open your hearts to these wonderful clubs and competitions taking place across the states. We have compiled, yet again, the beauty of the sport and how each club is ready to leave no stone unturned this upcoming weekend.
Women's D1 - Pacific South: San Diego Surfers vs Santa Monica Dolphins
In our first preview of the day, The San Diego Surfers (2-0) will be hosting the Santa Monica Dolphins (0-3) this upcoming weekend. Although the Dolphins are winless so far, they've had close defeats, especially with a 16 point loss to the Surfers in their last match just two weeks ago. The Surfers are currently tied in first place, within the Souther California D1 conference, with the Tempe Ninjas, splitting the points at 10 a piece. The Dolphins have recorded 3 points within their losses, and will have a tough match ahead to secure a potential shot for playoffs.
According to their website, the San Diego Surfers Women’s Rugby Club is the only women’s club in San Diego county. Founded in 1975 (and previously known as both OMBUSH and the Rio Grande Surfers), in 1997 the team applied for non-profit status and officially changed their name to what it is today. Since then, the Surfers have rapidly matured as a club in terms of talent and experience thanks to the dedication of our players, coaches, and supporters.
On the other side of the pitch, the Santa Monica WRFC have seen great success in the recent past. In 2014, the Lady ‘Phins took the Southern California Division I title, earning a bid to Nationals. There, they placed 6th in the nation. As the Southern California Division II champions from 2009-2011, SMWRC earned three consecutive appearances at Nationals as well.
The club [Santa Monica] is always welcoming new team members, regardless of experience. If you have never picked up a rugby ball, or you simply haven’t figured out how to put one down after a decade of play, we welcome you to join them. Players from far and wide agree that there is nothing better than top level, winning rugby in the beautiful Southern California beach town.
Men's D2 - Northern California: Olympic Club Rugby vs San Jose Seahawks
For the next game on this preview list, is a Northern California showdown in San Francisco as Olympic Club (1-0) hosts challengers San Jose Seahawks (0-2) RFC. Olympic Club is off to a hot start with a win under their belts as they handily defeated Diablo Old Gaels 84-5 on January 18th. As for the Seahawks of San Jose, luck has not found their club yet as they have yet to record a victory. This is uncanny for the San Jose side as they lost just as many games in 2019 as they have already in 2020. They will be undoubtedly be ready to repeat last year's success, but have a tough obstacle in Olympic Club to do so.
As the defending D2 National Champions, Olympic Club has a rich tradition of success, seen as they have won the last 7 matches they've played, dating from last year's tests. This proud club is ready to place themselves back on the podium for nationals, but have a slew of matches ahead, as this will be their second of six total regular games scheduled. In last year's two head-to-head matches, each team came away with a victory as the visiting team.
A little background on Olympic Club, according to their social pages; "Founded on hard work, dedication, and a commitment to rugby excellence, with over a century of history and tradition behind us. By continually ranking among the top amateur rugby teams in the nation, OC Rugby strives ceaselessly to further the overarching Olympic Club reputation for athletic excellence around the world. Our mission is to create for our players and their families a challenging, competitive, enriching, rewarding and enjoyable American club rugby experience."
As their bio continued, "Among many other accomplishments in recent years, members have brought home Olympic medals, international titles, national and world records, and built nationally competitive amateur programs in a number of sports. In a growing variety of ways, Olympians of all ages continue to create memories with their families and friends at the Club.'
On the other side of the pitch, the San Jose Seahawk RFC fields Men’s D2 & D3 sides and have a strong and passionate club following since the 1970's. The San Jose Seahawk Rugby Football Club was started in 1971 by several members of the Peninsula Ramblers Rugby Club who were looking to found a competitive rugby club in the San Jose/Santa Cruz area. These rugby players met in a house in the Santa Cruz Mountains and got down to the business of founding a top rugby club. At the beginning most of the players lived “over the hill” in the Santa Cruz area to the club was based on the coast.
Women's D2 - Red River: McAllen Maidens vs Bay Area Rugby
In the third matchup of the preview, we head down South to the Women's D2 Red River conference as the McAllen Maidens (0-3) host the Bay Area Rugby Club [BARC] (2-2) in McAllen, TX. As the Maidens of McAllen start the season on the rocky side, they are completely determined in turning their season around in this upcoming match. From their team representative, the entire club wanted to express their thoughts, as a whole, on the upcoming test. "We're very excited to play at home, and that we have a full side. This game against Bay Area is important for us, since we're working hard to make our mark within Division 2. We've combined forces with some rugby sisters in Corpus Christi and Mexico to complete our team. The McAllen Maidens are very proud to represent the Rio Grande Valley as we are the first women's rugby team ever, the community has shown us great support as has the city of McAllen.'
The upcoming match will be the first time these clubs have battled in regular season play, as the year before the Maidens were in the Red River's D3 conference. They had split their wins and losses last year, and as previously mentioned are incredibly keen in improving their chances within the higher division.
On the other side of the pitch, the BARC club have been more established within the 2nd Division, and have already improved their record from last year's winless season. Their two victories this year were against Austin Valkyries and Dallas Athletic, in close 5 points matches. Reaching out to the club, they have two members of their team to comment on the upcoming match versus the Maidens of McAllen.
Amy Cheesman, Coach of BARC, mentioned, "We are taking this season week by week. This game is very important to us and we are focused on the task at hand. We have a team with a lot of new players on it and we are looking forward to getting another game under our belts and continuing to work hard and grow as a team.'
Piggybacking off her coach's comments, Lauren Patterson, the forwards captain had this to discuss regarding her club's improvements from this week's practices. "We've got tunnel vision on Saturday—we're honed in on executing what we've practiced and playing good rugby. We aren't taking anything for granted. We [BARC] will look to play a clean game with fewer penalties than our last two matches (reviewing the breakdown and rules of the ruck has been a focus the last few weeks, especially for our new players), and to capitalize on set pieces.'
Men's D2 - Red River: The Woodlands Rugby vs San Marcos Greys
Staying within the Texas landscape of Division 2 rugby, next up on the preview are The Woodlands RFC (2-1) hosting the San Marcos Greys (0-2), in The Woodlands, TX. In last year's two head-to-head matches that were played between the clubs, each had come away with a home-field victory. For San Marcos' case, they hope history will not repeat itself this upcoming weekend as they hit the road.
David Curle, Coach of Woodlands, speaks about his clubs season thus far and what he believes to be a part of a club with high potential. "Woodlands RFC has been in two tough games against San Antonio and HARC over the last few weeks and winning those games has given a solid chance to make playoffs for the first time in quite a while. We have been improving every season and to reach playoffs is our goal this year. The future of the club is bright. The club has been learning a new structure and offensive pattern and each game they are showing a better grasp of it."
Curle continued, "This Saturday we are hoping to play with a fast paced expansive attack and release our prominent back line. Our forwards are working on running into the ball as we have been a little deep and flat footed in previous games. We can’t afford to relax or take any opposition lightly. We have to be disciplined and play to the structure and game plan we are working in this week. The club is growing and moving in the right direction. We have a good team culture and the players are enthusiastic. Our practices a have been well attended."
On the other side of the pitch, San Marcos was unable to reach back, but nonetheless we would love to spotlight their club's hsitory and past success leading into this weekend. "Since establishing themselves in 2012, the San Marcos Greys had their greatest success during their 2016-17 campaign. The club from San Marcos found themselves fighting with 31 other teams in the nation for a chance at a National Championship. The Red River Champions then set their eyes on the Mighty Oaks of Chico Hills (CA) as they travel to Tuscon, AZ for the start of United States Rugby Playoff. The Greys won a tough match, 46-12, to advance to the National Semi-final. Then fought hard but ultimately lost to the soon-to-be Division 3 National Champions. Finishing their sensational season as the most dominating D3 club in the state of Texas, the Red River Conference as well as finishing as one of Top 3 clubs in the United States. - San Marcos Facebook About the Club.'
Women's D2 - Florida: Fort Miami Rugby vs Jacksonville Sinners
Coming down the stretch of this 6-pack, the second to last matchup will be between the Florida D2 sides, Fort Miami Rugby (1-1-1) hosting the Jacksonville Sinners (1-1-1). Yes folks, those were not typos, but both clubs each have one tie thus far into their early 2020 campaigns, which have coincidently both occurred in their tests versus conference rival, Orlando WRFC. You can't make this stuff up! In last year's head-to-head matchups, Fort Miami had plundered both victories away from the Sinners of Jacksonville. The northern Florida club will undoubtedly be ready to avenge last year's defeats to their rivals.
Brie Cokos, the Fort Miami Representative had this to mention regarding her club's chances on continuing their progression thus far against the Sinners. "The Jacksonville fixture has always been a favorite on our schedule because of the quality of play and true camaraderie between the two clubs off the field. Jacksonville always brings tremendous tackling ability and a synchronized flat line defense. While Fort Miami is in a rebuilding mode, we're looking to build off of momentum gained from our first win of the season last week against a much improved Indian River, and stay in the running for the Florida state title. The keys will be to keep up the forward pressure and aggression for the full 80 minutes.'
Regarding the Jacksonville side, Maya, the club's Captain discussed her excitement for the upcoming clash between their conference foes. "The Sinners are eager to compete after a hard fought match last weekend. We have found a rhythm this season and plan on hitting hard versus Fort Miami. The matchup with them is always a battle and I’m excited to see all of our hard work pay off. Ultimately, our ability to execute effectively will determine how we take home the win.'
Men's D3 - Carolinas: Cape Fear Rugby vs Clayton Bootleggers
In the final match of the preview, we find ourselves on the Eastern seaboard in the Carolinas as Cape Fear RFC (4-0) will host the Clayton RFC Bootleggers (2-1-1), in Wilmington, NC. This will be an exciting match for both clubs as they combined their last season's losses totaling only 5 across 20 tests. These two proud clubs will be ready for battle as the stakes are high in this game for potential playoff positioning. In last year's head-to-head matchups, each club came away with a victory, which seemed to both take place in regular season and playoffs (with Cape Fear winning in playoffs).
Ted Hardy, Clayton President, had this to mention of the tough test ahead, and his club's chances toward the 'promised land' of playoffs. "We've got our work cut out for us against Cape Fear this weekend. They're the top team in our division this season and are even tougher at home. They're a well rounded side that can beat you in a lot of ways. Our guys will need to get stuck in and put in a full 80 minute effort if we're to have a shot. We're right in the thick of the playoff race and have three tough conference games left to go. We've added some talented young players over the holiday break and hope to see them make an impact on the second half of our season.'
