OMBAC vs. Belmont Shore (3:00 p.m., Little Q)
Both OMBAC and Belmont Shore enter their week two encounter coming off wins in week one. Belmont Shore had an up and down match against Santa Monica and survived after the Dolphins missed a late conversion. Belmont will have learned from last week and will want to avoid putting themselves in a hole early to OMBAC. They talked about consistency prior to the season and they will be looking for that in week two. Andy Jackson was critical for Belmont Shore last week and it is he and the rest of the back line, which includes Jack Tracy, Peter Sio, and Mike Te’o, that will be driving the club. Belmont has put a focus on defense this week and they will have their hands full with Zach Pangelinan.
OMBAC comes in off a crucial win over Glendale. This week they see Todd Clever make the bench for the first time. That’s exactly what any team wants to see on the bench if they are looking to put a match away. The forwards of OMBAC are improved with Brian Doyle, Adam Clarkin, and OJ Auimatagi providing punch. In the backs Pangelinan is the player to watch once again. If OMBAC can beat Belmont Shore they will move to 2-0 and a win over a SoCal rival.
SFGG vs. Denver Barbarians (3:00 p.m., Ray Sheeran Field)
With a week under his belt at the club Seamus Kelly will move into the starting line-up for SFGG. He joins a star studded back line that includes last week’s six try score Pila Huihui, Mile Pulu, Jack Halalilo, and Tai Enosa. Every single one of those players have either played for the Eagles or the Eagles 7s team minus Huihui. Don Pati steps in for the injured Mahe Fungupo. He’ll once again pair with Volney Rouse. Also suiting up for the team this week is Patrick Latu. The prop previously played with Metropolis and has experience playing in Australia and in Eagles camp.
The Barbarians are making their 2015 debut after sitting out last week. The team returns their core group from last year, including Max De Achaval, Ata Malifa, Brendan Shea, and Ron Tufele. However, this year they have added Justin Pauga from rivals Glendale. Pauga should give them an added bite while De Achaval and Malifa are some of the best attacking options in the country. The Barbarians may not have the star names of some other teams but year after year they have the ability to put strong seasons together.
Olympic Club vs. Santa Monica (1:00 p.m., Ray Sheeran Field)
The first match of the day on Saturday features two teams hungry for a win. Olympic Club were beaten by a very strong SFGG side last week but will believe they have what it takes to beat the Dolphins this weekend. Playing at home will be a big help for the club. Ante Drazina has made a big impact since coming back from injury while Dustin Muhn and Keegan Engelbrecht will provide steady leadership once again. The club will be without key player Colin Hawley who will be covering the Cal-UBC game as a color commentator on the PAC-12 Network.
Santa Monica will be disappointed that they didn’t beat Belmont Shore last week but they did pick up points. If they are able to beat Olympic Club this week they will be in a strong position for a team at 1-1. Harry Bennett was at the center of the action last week and will be again while Mathieu Lesgourgues is looking to score his first points of the season.
