Diablo Gaels Beat Fresno and San Jose in Local D2 Men’s action

Orinda, CA

Diablo takes key matches in weeks 4 & 5 to move into the second spot with a 5 – 1 record.  Both Fresno & San Jose have been play off clubs along with Santa Rosa making these match a must to win.  
Diablo vs Fresno RFC – From the opening kick off it was 3 rucks spin the ball wide to the wing and score.  The open style of play with multiple running lines displayed by Diablo overwhelmed the veteran Fresno squad & at the end of regulation time it was Diablo 50 – 27 Fresno.
Diablo vs San Jose RFC – This match would be the key for both clubs with the inside track to the second spot in the NCRFU D 2.  Diablo would as in the Fresno match, drive down & score against a determined San Jose squad.  It would be Diablo 17 – 3 San Jose before San Jose turned up the heat and scored 2 trys and and Diablo 1 try and after the break.  It was Diablo with 2 converted penalties to bring the scoring to 28 – 22 at the 60 minute mark.  However, again with use of their multiple running lines and use the entire field Diablo would score 2 trys and 1 converted bringing the score to 40 – 22.  A late try by San Jose, who never quit, made it look like a come back but Diablo would use the pick and drive & mauls to run down the clock and seal the mach.
This Saturday vs Berkeley RFC at Morton Field, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA 1 PM Kick Off.  Berkeley RFC has been thus far the surprise of the Division with a 4 – 1 record.  Boasting a few imports, they have played impressively and Diablo will have to utilize a tough defensive strategy to keep this squad in check.  This will be a match that will challenge Diablo’s forwards to control the the scrums , line outs and rucks to deny ball control & limit attacking opportunities. The back will need to apply constant pressure to force turn overs.  No secrets, to defense just execution.  It will be an away match for Diablo and home for Berkeley.  
Please consider this as a prime viewing match for club rugby and join us at Mare Island,Morton Field.
Notes on Coach & Manager
On my trip to London, I had the opportunity to spend time with members of the English Rugby Union & several clubs about the basic operations of the union & club organization.
Manager –  This  role is essential to the vitality & structure of a club.  Setting training & match schedules, facility management, equipment management, player management, match management, player transport, liaison with the coaching staff, the list is endless.  Point here, each club high school, collegiate or men’s club needs to develop this position &it need to be separate from the coaching position.
Coach – Who is responsible for training your players.  As coach, the key responsibilities are to organize the practice / training sessions, skill development, determine player positions, rosters &match preparation.  All coaches should be USA Rugby or IRB Certified, this is important to the growth of the game in America.  It puts a higher level of responsibility on a coach to conduct himselfin a more professional manner.  For the youth programs, this is extremely important, yes, coaches are role models, if you are conducting yourself in a professional manner it will show in your players work ethic.
Best,
John Compaglia
Diablo Olde Gaels RFC