The Danville Oaks kicked off their Northern California Varsity Premier season with a 60-12 defeat of Mother Lode.

Danville was led by scrumhalf Kevin Saunders, who had a very strong game and has raised his performances this year after moving from inside center. Outside center Carlos Gomez scored two tries and played superb defense, while wing Jonathan Son was electric on the outside, scoring two tries.

Danville flanker Damon Wiley, a football player who has switched to rugby in his senior year, was named player of the game by Mother Lode in Wiley’s first full game. 

Danville won the Northern California HS Club division in 2015, and joined the new Varsity Premier Division this season. So, too, did 2015 HS Club runner-up Granite Bay. GB also won in this opening weekend, beating Archbishop Riordan 42-21. 

Justin Oles, Roddy Hamilton, and Jake Van Order led the Granite Bay defensive effort, while Jon Rogers, Sam Cusano, and Anthony Wiley all scored tries. Desi Streater had a strong game at flyhalf 

“We are starting to gel together as a group,” said Granite Bay Coach Jason Divine.

Samo Cusano looks for space for Granite Bay.

Solo defeated Lamorinda 24-10.