On a historical afternoon Saturday, Live Oak lost 19-10 to the
College Park Ramblers in the first-ever rugby match played at
Bellarmine College Prep’s campus in downtown San Jose
SAN JOSE — On a historical afternoon Saturday, Live Oak lost 19-10 to the College Park Ramblers in the first-ever rugby match played at Bellarmine College Prep’s campus in downtown San Jose.
College Park Rugby has been associated with the school for 29 years. Despite ominous conditions, both teams were primed.
Playing into the wind, the Ramblers scored back-to-back converted tries in the first 25 minutes, pounding the ball through the heart of the Acorns’ defense.
Live Oak turned up the pressure with penetrating kicks that tested College Park’s deep three. The tactic worked, as momentum and field position swung to the Acorns. Live Oak’s Alex Muhn touched down a try as time expired, closing the gap to 14-5 at halftime. The ensuing conversion was failed.
With the wind in their faces, the Acorn ruggers continued pressing in the second half. They cut the deficit to four, 14-10, with Muhn’s second try at the 55-minute mark. Live Oak missed the conversion again, but had momentum.
The ensuing 12 minutes saw both teams trying to put the other away with hard running and tackling. They had several opportunities to score, but both defensive lines held firm. With time ticking down, College Park exploited a crack in the Acorns’ defense — and scored an unconverted try as time expired.
It was Live Oak’s first loss to College Park in five years.
The Acorns continue Skyhawk Conference play Saturday, traveling to San Mateo’s Fiesta Meadow Park to face the San Mateo Warriors at 11 a.m.
