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Five games of sevens were broadcast over the weekend by USA Rugby as both the Men’s and Women’s Eagles played intra-squad matches at Chula Vista. For the Women it was just a solo match to wrap up training camp, while the Men will play another series of four games starting next Friday.
The women’s game was a high tempo encounter with eight tries split between the two sides. World Sevens star Kristi Kirshe led the way with two tries for the Stars, with newcomer Nia Toliver showing an impressive turn of pace to score on a breakaway effort. Long range effort from Naya Tapper, who grabbed a double, and Cheta Emba were the highlights for the stars.
STARS 33
Tries – K. Kirshe 2, N. Toliver, L. Doyle, I. Maher
Cons – N. Heavirland 4/5
STRIPES 19
Tries – N. Tapper 2, C. Emba
Cons – K. Canett 1/2, K. McCravey 1/1
Martin Iosefo was in sparkling form for the Schnuggle of Schnauzers, who took three of four against the Rampaging Ridgebacks in the first leg of the Golden Eagles Showdown series. Iosefo scored three tries and was a dominant figure for the team in the red jerseys.
Also catching the eye were two uncapped players. Former West Point captain Jake Lachina showed his pace with two tries in the second match. Cal Golden Bears product Christian Dyer turned heads with his overall performance as both a distributer and strike runner.
The Ridgebacks were a step behind in support but showed their class at times with Marcus Tupuola and Kevon Williams their standout players. Perry Baker was largely starved of possession but did score a memorable solo effort in the last match of the weekend.
Overall the standard of play was pleasing for coach Mike Friday. The physicality was perhaps best exemplified by Danny Barrett’s thunderous tackle on Ben Pinkelman that left the Eagles vice-captain winded and sprawled on the turf until a stoppage in play gave him a chance to recover.
The two sides will play two matches each next Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12. Kickoff times are noon and 3pm local (3pm and 6pm Eastern). All matches will be broadcast live on the USA Rugby Facebook page.
DAY 1
GAME 1
SCHNAUZERS 5
Tries – B. Thompson
Cons – M. Hughes 0/1
RIDGEBACKS 7
Tries – M. Tupuola
Cons – C. Melphy 1/1
GAME 2
SCHNAUZERS 40
Tries – J. Lachina 2, H. Wheeler, Penalty try, C. Dyer, D. Barrett
Cons – M. Hughes 4/5
RIDGEBACKS 12
Tries – M. Tupuola, M. Esdale
Cons – C. Melphy 1/2
Yellow cards – M. Esdale, M. Tupuola
DAY 2
GAME 3
SCHNAUZERS 26
Tries – M. Iosefo 2, C. Dyer 2
Cons – M. Hughes 3/4
RIDGEBACKS 19
Tries – K. Williams, M. Tupuola, A. Welmers
Cons – C. Melphy 2/3
GAME 4
SCHNAUZERS 22
Tries – C. Dyer, M. Leuta, M. Iosefo, D. Barrett
Cons – M. Hughes 1/4
RIDGEBACKS 14
Tries – P. Baker, K. Williams
Cons – C. Melphy 1/1, P. Baker 1/1
