LA stays on top with road win over San Diego

The LA Giltinis made the short trip south on the California 101 Highway to San Diego. The Southern Californian match-up was low scoring, yet non-stop action. With the win the LA Giltinis stay on top of the Western Conference and the overall MLR ladder.

Injuries disrupted the LA Giltinis prior to the game, forcing the visiting team into a raft of changes. This saw Belmont Shore duo Adam Channel and Ben Weischedel called up to the squad. Among other changes Luke Carty took over from Matt Giteau at fly half.

It was back-and-forth early on. The Legion were the first on the scoresheet. Joe Pietersen landed an early penalty. LA had an opportunity to respond five minutes later. Luke Burton’s attempted penalty had the officials confused. Their disagreement led to it being deemed a miss.

Giteau was being missed in general play and also in terms of points. Burton lined up a second shot at goal in the 17th minute. His attempt was wide. Despite the miss, LA were playing the rugby and were camped deep in San Diego territory. The hydration break gave the home side much needed recuperation.

Little changed after the resumption. The Giltinis continued to play with 70% possession and have opportunities for points. Their third penalty kick saw a change of kicker. Luke Carty took over only to miss his long-range 23rd minute attempt.

Following over 30 minutes without tries both teams found their way into the try zone. The Legion were to first to do so. From an attacking lineout the home side charged over. Dean Muir burst from a rolling maul to score. John Ryberg responded to score two minutes from half-time. His score was unconverted; the Giltinis missed all four first-half shots at goal.

LA drew first blood in the second half. They looked to none other than flanker Angus Cottrell. The Australian drove-in low to touch down in the try zone. His 46th minute try was his 11th of the MLR season. Burton converted to give the Giltinis the lead for the first time.

San Diego turned-down a shot at goal to go for an attacking scrum. The gamble did not pay off as the Giltinis defended to win a turn-over penalty. Minutes later the Legion went for goal; albeit, this time it was from half-way. Pietersen’s 56th minute effort did not connect.

The final quarter started with a 12-10 scoreline. The Legion had a further opportunity to go ahead in the 63rd minute. Pietersen’s penalty was on target but short. It had no lasting impact on the outcome; Pietersen landed his next shot in the 68th minute. It gave the Legion a one-point lead.

Carty woefully missed with a 71st minute attempted penalty. It mattered not. The Giltinis scored a sensational try as Harrison Goddard ran blindside from the base of a scrum. He linked with Ryberg who burst through a tackle and ran unimpeded to score. This time Carty converted to put the Giltinis 19-13 ahead.

The Legion will play again at Torero Stadium next weekend. They will do so against the Austin Gilgronis. The LA Giltinis travel north to face the Seattle Seawolves at Starfire Stadium.

 

SCORING

SAN DIEGO 13
Tries – D. Muir (34’)
Cons – J. Pietersen 1/1 (35’)
Pens – J. Pietersen 2/4 (5’, 68’)

LA 19
Tries – J. Ryberg 2 (38’, 71’), A. Cottrell (45’)
Cons – L. Burton 2/3 (46’, 72’)
Pens – L. Burton 0/2, L. Carty 0/2
Yellow cards – L. Carty (31’)

 

TEAMS

SAN DIEGO LEGION
1 Faka’osi Pifeleti (17 Cronan Gleeson 53’), 2 Dean Muir (16 Peter Malcolm 69’), 3 Paddy Ryan (18 Chris Baumann 53’), 4 Tom Franklin, 5 Siaosi Mahoni (19 Keni Nasoqeqe 51’), 6 Psalm Wooching (21 Michael Smith HT), 7 Chris Robshaw (20 Jasa Veremalua 51’), 8 Tevita Tameilau, 9 Carlo de Nysschen (22 Ethan McVeigh 59’), 10 Joe Pietersen, 11 Bjorn Basson, 12 Tiaan Loots*, 13 Thomas Morani (23 Cecil Afrika 63’), 14 Cameron Clark (capt.), 15 Santiago González Iglesias

*12 Tiaan Loots came off at the 75 minute mark and could not be replaced

LA GILTINIS
1 Blake Rogers (17 Sione Tu’ihalamaka 51’), 2 Sean McNulty (16 Gelen Robinson 73’), 3 Charlie Abel (18 Marco Fepulea’i 36’), 4 Dave Dennis (capt.), 5 Nathan Den Hoedt, 6 Angus Cottrell, 7 Bill Meakes, 8 Adam Ashe, 9 Harrison Goddard, 10 Luke Carty, 11 Adam Channel, 12 Luke Burton (22 Serupepeli Vularika 69’), 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper (19 Pago Haini 60’), 14 John Ryberg, 15 Glenn Bryce

Not used: 20 Ben Weischedel, 21 Cristian Rodriguez, 23 Jonetani Vasurakuta

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Mike Lash (New Zealand)
Assistants: Austin Reed (USA) & Deven O’Crump (USA)