The South Valley rugby club beat San Francisco Golden Gate 27-19 for the Bucks’ first league win of the season Friday at the Outdoor Sports Center.
South Valley trailed 12-5 at the break but began rolling after senior scum half Mitch Marcum of Live Oak scored his second of three tries two minutes into the second half. Cumorah Saulala (LOHS) added a tying conversion.
The Bucks lifted their play, as senior props Kailo Wilson and Ruben Magana, both of Live Oak, were solid in scrums and punishing on short penetrating runs. Senior centers Javy Rubalcava (LOHS) and Joe Ferrero (Sobrato) also were solid for South Valley, making strong runs and thumping tackles.
The hard-nosed defense paid off when junior lock Vince Fanua (SHS) gave South Valley the lead for good with a try at the 55-minute mark. Junior 8-man Devon Jones (LOHS) and Marcum closed out a 22-point scoring run with an unconverted try apiece.
San Francisco Golden Gate had the last word, scoring a converted try as time expired.
The Bucks (5-4, 1-2) opened the scoring at the eight-minute mark in the first half with Marcum’s first try. They led 5-0 after a failed conversion try.
Playing with the wind at its back, San Francisco Golden Gate kept the locals under pressure with a solid kicking game and quick, wide play. The visitors were awarded a well-earned try at 12 minutes and took the lead, 7-5, with a conversion.
San Francisco Golden Gate dominated in possession and field position during the first half, but the Bucks defense was up to the challenge, forcing seven turnovers that led to counterattacks, albeit no points.
San Francisco Golden Gate cracked South Valley’s defense for a try as time expired to lead by seven at the break.
Senior fullback Cameron Weirhauser of Valley Christian played well for the Bucks, who continue league play Friday in Dublin against the Pleasanton Cavaliers.
