Danville Oaks Varsity Boys Sweep Contra Costa Rivals to Open League Play

Before the Danville Oaks Rugby Football Club (RFC), the Lamorinda Rodents and Diablo Devils were established as the the main multi-school rugby clubs in the Mt. Diablo region. Moving into the Gold division in 2013, the Oaks look poised to lead the conversation after their play through the first two weeks of the regular season.

VS. DIABLO W 67-14

Diablo has proven to be a worthy adversary throughout the Oaks’ history.  In fact, Danville’s first ever scrimmage was against the Devils at Acalanes high school.  On that day, it was apparent that the new club had a long way to go to become competitive. Through rapid accumulation of talent and numbers, Danville has held the upper hand the past two seasons by the narrowest of margins. In 2013 at California High School, the Oaks asserted themselves as the superior side.

This season, the Oaks controlled the ball for a huge majority of the match.  After taking the opening kickoff, they ran a couple phases and were awarded a penalty, kicking to touch.  A strong Maul and then another put down the first score quickly thanks to some strong forward play. 

After a Diablo kickoff straight into touch, Danville had a scrum center and ran a move left with Rhys Watkin to Cameron Marek for the first of his 3 tries on the day. After a few minutes, any spectator could tell it was going to be a long day for Diablo.  They fought hard, but were overmatched by a more drilled, fit, and fundamentally sound side. 

Tries were scored by Oscar Robertson on the Maul, Marek (3), Watkin (2), Vili Helu, Matt Mulholland, Rydian Searles, and Grant Sherrod.  Kevin Woo was 6-11 on conversions.  

When playing defense the Oaks lacked continuity and commitment to tackle, a task to be improved upon the next weekend.  

@ LAMO W 60-12

Lamorinda was a different opponent, with a completely different set of strengths and weaknesses. Coming off a State Championship in 2012, the team is well coached and fought hard to keep the match close through the first half.  After two quick scores from the Oaks, Lamo hung around with 4 penalty kicks to make it 26-12 at the break.  In the second half, the Oaks cut the penalties and wore the Rodents down.

The Oaks took the opening kickoff and started to run the forwards.  14 forward phases later, Mahe Fifita scored the first of 10 tries for Danville on Pat Vincent Memorial Field at St. Mary’s College in Moraga.  For once, the wings didn’t score as Lamorinda had them cleverly defended.   

Mulholland scored 4 tries, running over would be tacklers all day.  His play was complemented nicely by the rest of the pack, keeping possession for most of the match with nice runs and skilful rucking.  Towards the end of the match, a now signature Maul was put down for a try in goal by Kareem Khattab.

The Backs became more involved throughout the game, and the Centers stood out for the first time this season.  With stellar support play, Imran Niazi scored a hat trick in the second half, all three times receiving from his brother, Subhan.  Rydian Searles broke the game open in the first half on a nice try working with Cam. Kevin Woo was 5-10 on conversions. 

Despite the score, Lamorinda plays well and will be a tough opponent next season with all returning starters.  They are in a similar situation to last season’s Oaks, so look for them to be strong as ever in future.