The Carlsbad Thunder moved to 3-0 in the Southern California Varsity White San Diego North Division with a 29-17 defeat of previously 2-0 San Pasqual.

The victory was led by some excellent work from hooker Robbie Becker, prop Will Fox and center Jesse Atiga, with good games also from wing Jacob Jenkins,  center Michael Cuarenta, and flanker Tim Howell.

For Carlsbad, this was a huge boost. They did come into the game 2-0, but with close wins against teams of unconfirmed strength. Beating San Pasqual, which was also undefeated, now opens up the possibility that the Thunder could finish 6-0 in the division.

The Carlsbad program has been in existence for a few years, but concentrated on U8, U10, and U12 rugby. Their U14 team was second in Southern California last year, and their JV team, bolstered by some youth talent, is also playing well and also logged a win over San Pasqual.

“This year we’ve got 30 kids in U8s, 30 U10s, 30 in U12s, and another 35 to 40 in U14s,” said Coaching Director Josh Williams. “For us, getting the kids to understand those skills of passing and tackling and reading the game is really important.”

Carlsbad also got a nice family benefit in the fall as one of their coaches, Jacob Campbell, is brother to Indiana University All American and capped Eagle Bryce Campbell. While he was in camp with the USA 7s team, Bruce came out for some Carlsbad sessions to work with the kids.

“He was great in helping us out and helping us take this next step,” said Williams.

Carlsbad now sites 3-0 in the San Diego North, with San Paqual at 2-1. Next up for Carlsbad is San Marcos, 0-1 so far.