The San Diego Mustangs defeated the Seattle Vikings 26-12 on a cold, rainy Friday night in Seattle in a pre-league runout for both squads.

Seattle is in a slight rebuilding phase but has some big, imposing forwards and some good potential. San Diego, on the other hand, is made up of players who have just completed their single-school leagues, and as such were closer to midseason form. Early in the game flanker Jackson Bear poached a ball out of the ruck, ran upfield, and sent a long pass out to the wing to set up a try. That was a scary indication of what might be to come.

However, Seattle battened things down nicely after that and made the Mustangs work for their tries. The Vikings were very good in the scrum, but, said Coach Steve Brennan “we need to work on our ruck technique and defensive shape. The Mustangs are a good team and a really class act.”

Despite having their starting scrumhalf miss the flight to Seattle, the Mustangs worked relatively fluidly. 

“The club league we have is more competitive than the single-school league - every club is bringing the best of the best, so the games are tough,” said No. 8 Brandon Cole, who played single-school for the UC Honey Badgers. “For this trip it’s a learning experience and team bonding opportunity.”

“It’s great to travel around, see these other teams and get that experience,” added flyhalf Jack Gitre, who played for Cathedral Catholic in the Varsity Red league.

Next up for the Mustangs, Eastside Lions on Sunday, also in the Seattle area.