Jesuit of Sacramento defeated Mother Lode Saturday as the NorCal HS Premier League 37-10.

The Marauders started brightly with backs and forwards mixing up the attack and making a series of line breaks.

Photos David Barpal.

Fullback Mason Phillips started the scoring with a penalty just two minutes into the game. Scrumhalf David Starnes scored just five minutes later, with Phillips adding the conversion. Starnes set up a try for wing Kevin Wells to dot down. Then Prop Joe Marchant would not be denied close to the line. The game swung back in the direction of Mother Lode and Jesuit was forced to defend for long phases. Mother Lode got on the board with a penalty to end the scoring in the half.

Halftime Jesuit 20 – Mother Lode 3

The halftime talk inspired Mother Lode, who came out and scored in the first two minutes. This cut the score in half and forced Jesuit on the back foot. The Jesuit forwards, led by flanker Donovan Horst and Laiatu Latu, took the game over and scored three tries in a ten-minute span to put the game out of reach.

Final Score Jesuit 37 – Mother Lode 10

Man of the Match – Forward Laiatu Latu and Back Viliami Hopoi

“Like many teams we are dealing with injuries, sickness and school issue, but the improvement was noticeable over the week,” said Head Coach John Shorey. “We will keep stressing a positive, patient approach to the game as we head toward the heart of our league season.”

Also in NorCal action, Granite Bay defeated Solo, and in a non-league game, SFGG beat Peninsula Green. Lamorinda defeated Marin 43-22. Props Daniel Vete and AJ Matu, and No. 8 King Matu were outstanding up front, and scrumhalf Andrew Byrne, center Miles Beaubelle, and wing Kelvin Daniels were solid in the backs.