San Diego State University
A mixed Aztec side took on a touring St. Bonaventure side on Tuesday night at San Diego State University and the Aztecs came away with a 45-22 victory in a spirited contest that saw some enterprising rugby from both sides.  

St. Bonaventure, a Division 1 team from New York that narrowly missed out on the 2010 Collegiate playoffs is touring the west coast in an effort to get out of the East Coast weather and into a playing friendly climate.  The Aztecs were happy to welcome their East Coast visitors and the game offered a great opportunity for the Aztecs to field a side with some first team regulars alongside many players who have traditionally been 2010 reserves.  As a friendly contest, both teams allowed multiple substitutions and the Aztecs were able to get 25 players a run throughout the game.

The Aztecs started very strong early on with three tries in the first 12 minutes by Jamie Kelm, Duncan Kelm and Brendan Purcell, one of which Duncan Kelm converted for a 17-0 lead.   Another quick flurry half way through the first stanza saw Alex Ross and Morgan Gagel cross the line, both converted by Kelm for a 31-0 lead.  The next score came off a clever dummy by St Bonaventure hooker and former USA Rugby U18 National team player Alex Brussard to bring the score to 31-7.  Conner Reed then crossed again for the Aztecs before the half to bring the halftime score to Aztecs 38, St. Bonaventure 7.

The second half saw the Aztecs field a more traditional reserved side and a renewed St. Bonaventure fought back into the game.  St. Bonaventure outscored the Aztecs 3 tries to one, the lone try by SDSU was to Austin Freeman, converted by Andrew Castle, for a final score of 45-22.  Coach Matt Sherman was pleased with some areas of the performance, but not all, ‘We started very well, and it was positive to see many players assimilate to the standards and level of the first team.  I thought a few guys who were given an opportunity really showed their mettle.  Nonetheless, it was disappointing to see us fall off the pace in the second half and start to play individually, rather then as a team.  It is something we will need to continue to address.’

The Aztecs host their final home match of 2010 this Saturday March 6th at ENS 700 when they face UCSB:  A Side 1pm; B Side (immediately following- 2:30)

Division 3 goes back on the road this week to take on the University of California, Riverside



SDSU 45, St. Bonaventure 22 (Half: SDSU 38, St Bonaventure 7)

Min 1: J Kelm Try
Min 7: J Kelm Try, D Kelm Conversion
Min 13: B. Purcell Try
Min 20: Ross Try, D Kelm Conversion
Min 22: Gagel Try,  D. Kelm Conversion
Min 31: St. Bonaventure Try and Conversion
Min 38: Reed Try, D Kelm Converion

2nd Half

Min 48: St Bonaventure Try
Min 60: Freeman Try; Castle Conversion
Min 69: St. Bonaventure Try
Min 81: St. Bonaventure Try



 1 Brenden Purcell ; 2 Jamie Kelm; 3 Morgan Gagel 4 Scott Brown; 5 Anton  Mironov; 6 Zach Shapiro; 7 Tyler Khashagen; 8 Derrick Broussard; 9 Jamie  Purcell (Captain); 10  Duncan Kelm; 11 Alex Colla; 12 Connor Reed; 13 Dale Turori; 14 Mike Hicks; 15 Alex Ross
Subs: Kyle Berchin, James Daleo, Andrew Hinkle, Kyle Quirk, Devin Keller, Mike Shea, Andrew Castle, Renzo Garcia, Franky Vasquez, Joe Sylvestry