Valley Rugby Club Gives a Good Try But Falls Short

The National Rugby Division II final turned into a numbers game for the San Fernando Valley club.

More than 2,000 spectators--about 10 times the draw of a regular-season match--watched San Fernando Valley and the University of Michigan Athletic Club trade score after score Monday at Zelkert Park in Austin, Texas.

A flurry of scoring late in the second half gave the national championship to Michigan, 42-27, and ruined a perfect season for San Fernando Valley (17-1).

“They scored a lot more points than anyone we’ve played all season,” said Chris Conrad, a Valley flanker. “Michigan didn’t let down at all. They had exceptional backs. They turned little mistakes into long drives.”

The equivalent of a touchdown in rugby is called a “try” and, unfortunately for Valley, Michigan’s motto seemed to be “if at first we don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Valley staked a 14-0 lead in the first five minutes on trys by Chris Vivian and Tasi Mounga and conversion kicks by Marcelo Sala. Trys are worth five points and conversions are worth two.

Michigan roared back, however, to tie the score before Sala made a three-point penalty kick to give Valley a 17-14 halftime lead.

The second half began with Michigan scoring three quick trys. Valley battled back but had a couple of drives stopped near the goal line. Michigan’s final goal-line stand protected a 32-27 lead late in the match, and Valley allowed two trys in the final two minutes.

“Everyone was depressed but on the plane ride home we started talking about next year and how we can improve the club,” Conrad said. “There is a positive feeling about the team.”

Valley, the Pacific Coast Conference champion, will take a few weeks off before playing some seven-on-seven. Training for next season begins in October.

“We are actively recruiting players,” said Javier Prelooker, a team captain. “We’ve improved steadily and want to take the next step and win the national championship.”

First order of business is securing a permanent field. Since the Northridge earthquake caused the team to lose its field at Cal State Northridge, Valley has lacked even a practice facility, roaming from park to park.

“If we can get a permanent field, raise some money and add a few players, we will be set for another run at the championship,” Prelooker said.