Who we gonna play?

Now that we know what division we are playing in for the 2008 season, who will our opponents be? How have we fared against them in the past?

The White Division last year was made up of a North and South bracket. Los Angeles Rugby Club won the conference title, advanced to San Diego losing to Raleigh RFC and choosing to be promoted to the 1st division for 2008. The Oxy Old Boys forfeited the season after numbers dropped and they were relegated (am I getting this Matt) to the 3rd division for 2008. The last place team in DI, Back Bay, was then relegated after LARC went up as stated earlier. That leaves the following teams to compete in DII:

Back Bay 1 (forfeit) -9 (in DI)
San Diego Old Aztecs 8-2
Riverside 6 -4
North County Gurkhas 4-6
San Luis Obispo 3-5
Kern 2-6
OMBAC 0-9
Pasadena 11-0 (in DIII)

Obviously Back Bay has to be considered a favorite. Scanning their website, they have a tradition of success at all levels. I am sure they did not want to come down and will be working hard to return to the first division… I am guessing.

The Aztecs and Riverside are two very solid teams and should also be considered among the favorites. We watched the Aztecs play in South Kackalackey where they lost their game, but played inspired rugby. Riverside has had success in recruiting very talented players in the past and has had a rebuilding year or two. We have played both these teams in preseason games in the past. We have done well at times… and horrible at times. I think it is safe to say, both teams know how to win and play solid rugby. Interesting point, the Aztecs spent one year in DIII a few seasons ago and look where they are now.

OMBAC’s “0-fer” year had to be an aberration and I am sure they do not plan on repeating this feat. They are a solid organization…boasting a Super League, DI and DII side. They have excellent facilities and a well oiled coaching machine. However, if they don’t have the talent, well…games are won by the players on the field not by the “awesomeness” of the pitch.

SLO, Kern and the Gurkhas have always been tuff opponents that play very solid rugby when it matters…during the season. Yes, Pasadena has beaten these teams in preseason over the past few years. As a matter of fact, Pasadena beat Kern 2 years ago in one of the most dramatic games in our history. At the time, Kern was still in DIII and hadn’t lost a game on the field (there had been some paperwork forfeits) in two-ish years. I don’t think it takes a genius to know that these teams don’t want the upstarts to beat them!

If they put teams into geographical divisions again, we may end up seeing Kern, SLO and Riverside twice and the rest once for a very interesting 2008 season.

Did Casey mention something about off season workouts????