OMBAC
RUGBYhttp://www.ombacrugby.com
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OMBAC Slosh Through For 2nd Super
League Win (Last Minute Kick Puts OMBAC Atop The Table) |
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24 March 2001 - Dallas, TX - The OMBAC rugby team needed every minute of the match today to pull out a Super League victory over the stubborn Dallas Harlequins. An Alistair Steele penalty kick, late in injury time, proved to be the difference as OMBAC squeaked by 8-6. The victory puts OMBAC at the top of the Super League’s Western Conference at 2-0 and nine points. It was another excruciating loss for the ‘Quins as they lost on a late drop goal last week against San Francisco Golden Gate. After a night of thunder, rain and hail, the field at Glencoe Park was in no shape for running rugby. Rain throughout the match on Saturday saw the conditions worsen as the game progressed. Going into a blustery wind in the first half, OMBAC found themselves five meters from the Dallas line six minutes into the match. Controlling the lineout, the OMBAC forwards kept the ball in close quarters and prop Chris Conklin was driven over the line for the game’s only try of the match. OMBAC continued to press into the Harlequins half but Dallas would clear the ball from danger with the powerful boot of former U.S. Eagle Matt Alexander. The long kicks served two purposes – getting Dallas out of trouble and putting OMBAC under the gun. Dallas took advantage of time spent in OMBAC’s half with two penalties from Alexander and the half ended with the hosts on top 6-5. The conditions made running the ball virtually impossible in the second half. With the wind at their backs, OMBAC had chances to regain the lead with numerous shots at goal but the muddy turf made easy kicks an adventure. It looked like OMBAC would be going down for the first time all season. Dallas were clinging to their one point lead and OMBAC were 90 meters from the ‘Quins line with just a couple of minutes left in regulation. While in attack, Dallas was called for offsides that allowed OMBAC to clear to touch. On the ensuing Dallas throw into the line they were called for not allowing the ball to travel the necessary five meters and OMBAC were in business. The penalty kick to touch put OMBAC into Dallas’ half of the field. And then after gaining possession on the lineout, OMBAC worked the ball back and forth across the field. A couple more penalties brought the ball deeper into the Texan’s end. And then after four or five advantage calls being played by referee Jerry McLemore, OMBAC finally had an opportunity for the win with a short range shot at goal just to the right of the posts. Steele made this one count and OMBAC slogged off the field 8-6 winners. "The conditions made it absolutely impossible to attack," said Bing Dawson, OMBAC’s winning coach. "We had an advantage in speed but we just couldn’t use it and Dallas used the kick well. It was a tough win and I’m glad to get out of here with it." OMBAC is the only unbeaten team in the Western Conference and with the exception of Dallas, all the other teams are 1-1 after two weeks of play. Other Super League results from the weekend had Aspen blanking SF Golden Gate 25-0; the Denver Barbarians got past Old Blue Griffins 23-18; Belmont Shore disposed of Old Puget Sound 35-22; Life made a statement demolishing Philly-Whitemarsh 71-7; Old Blue doubled-up on Washington 14-7; and the Blues of Kansas City nipped PAC 29-26. OMBAC’s Southern California First Division team suffered it’s first setback of the season to the Santa Monica Rugby Club 24-19 at the Little Q today. While OMBAC’s IIs and Santa Monica’s IIs played to 21-all draw. It’s another busy weekend of rugby coming up as OMBAC travels to Huntington Beach on Saturday to take on the Unicorns. The firsts play at 1:00 p.m. with the seconds kicking off after the firsts conclude. Then on Sunday, it’s third round action from the Super League as OMBAC hosts Belmont Shore at 3:00 p.m. at the Little Q. Bring the family out for the rare Sunday entertainment. OMBAC Lineup -15-Johan Claasen |