The St. Mary's men's team capped off a five-game preseason trip to San Diego this past weekend.

On Saturday their freshmen defeated University of San Diego 41-17, an impressive first run-out for this group of players. Three of those stood out, as Xavier Hunter, Marcus Viscardi, and Charlie Lauder all read the game well and found lots to do.

The St. Mary's B side took on the OMBAC men's club 2nd side, and despite giving up a sizable size advantage to the San Diego-based club, held their own. In an enjoyable, exciting rugby game, OMBAC won, barely. OMBAC was more successful in kicking conversions which put them up late before tries from Tommy Wallace and Xavier Hunter put St. Mary's up. OMBAC powered ahead in the closing moments with their forwards, and while the St. Mary's defense hung tough, they were penalized and the kick sailed over to give OMBAC a two-point win.

The St. Mary's A side took on OMBAC's 1sts, and were exposed with so many new faces on the pack and at halfback. A skilled and physical OMBAC team thumped St. Mary's 61-24.

So Sunday it was on to the San Diego Old Aztecs. Once again it was a chance for young players to get some game time. Scrumhalf Jack Carso and Alex Mills and Alex Brewer at flyhalf played some attractive rugby and helped St. Mary's to a 48-13 defeat of the Old Aztecs. The game was much closer until the final 20 minutes, when the fitter and faster Gaels started to pull away.

Dylan Audsley played some solid defense while the front row of Ryan Pratt, Mike O'Neil, and Dino Waldren set the platform, with O'Neill having an excellent game in all aspects. The St. Mary's ends also defeated the Old Aztecs.

Head Coach Tim O'Brien thanked the Old Aztecs, OMBAC, and USD's Andrew Castle for hosting them, and added that he was pleased to see a lot of attractive rugby being played. But, he added, "The opening weekend of play was a ruthless reminder that there will be no easy Saturdays in the months ahead."