The Peninsula Green Rugby Varsity team won the NorCal Sevens Championship this past weekend, logging a series of impressive victories in the process.

The Varsity team finished 5-0, beating Jesuit twice to take the title. The final itself was a very well-played and exciting game played in temperatures approaching 100 degrees. The Pen Green Beavers played a high-tempo game, and kept it going until the end.

“The Varsity Beavers played exciting Sevens throughout the day as they physically punished their opposition on both defense and offense, rucked low and effectively and set up varied and exciting offense patterns lines that oft times saw the ball move from one touchline to the other before scoring,” said Pen Green Coach Rob Benson. 

Peninsula Green Varsity Results

Pen Green v McClatchy (19 – 14) – Pool play

Pen Green v Pleasanton (28 – 17) – Pool play

Pen Green v Jesuit (19 – 12) – Pool play

Pen Green v Solo (19 – 12) – Semi final

Pen Green v Jesuit (17 – 12) – Championship Final

Pen Green received several compliments from their opponents, including Jesuit Coach Steve Siefert and Solo Coach Rob Salaber, who both praised the team’s cohesion and ability to finish strong.

Photos by Michael Pons.

In the final, the Beavers came out strong with an early try by Sione Manukainiu. Then Naima Fualaau, (who was on fire in the semis and final) danced through multiple players to score under the post and add the conversion.  A break through the middle by Jesuit with no time left in the first half put the halftime score at 12-7.  In the second half the Beavers played rock solid defense, with Cutler Pons and Lucas Hackett-Provenzano delivering big tackles, but eventually Jesuit got over to tie the game at 12-12.

But Pen Green answered. Moving the ball from sideline to sideline with everyone involved, the Beavers set free speedy Sami Makaafi to race down the touchline for 70 meters and the try that won the game 17-12.

Benson praised the on-field leadership of Cutler Pons, Vite Lopeti, and Tala Talapusi, and said it was communication and execution that won the tournament for the Beavers.

Pons was immense as a physical presence.

“He devoured opponents with his tackling despite the fact that there was almost always a mass advantage in favor of the player he was tackling,” said Benson. “His passing from the halfback position was accurate and long, and he and Tala had the vision and command to spot and exploit the weakness in their opponents.”

“I am very proud of our players who performed very well against quality opposition on a ferociously hot day,” added Pen Green Coach Steve Everett. “Their success topping off a wonderful season for Peninsula Green Rugby Club; I can hardly wait to the start of next season where the club anticipates further success with a strong roster.”

The Pen Green Roster:

Cutler Pons, Tala Talapusi, Sami Makaafi, Tevite Lopeti, Sione Manukainiu, DJ [Daniel] Monroe, Naima Fualaau, Niklas Yoho, and Freddy Fohoko. Some JV players also suited up for the Varsity team during the day: Luke Raffaeli, Thomas Tameilau, Bruce Leapaga, Luca Gillespie-Brown, Lucas Hackett-Provenzano, Alex Lopeti.