The Berkeley All Blues hosted their first annual Homecoming event at their home closer this past weekend on Saturday, October 19th on the Gaelic Field at Treasure Island, with some dramatic views of the San Francisco skyline behind them. The Atlanta Harlequins were in town to play the All Blues, looking to string together two consecutive wins, and Berkeley was looking to tip themselves above a 50% win-loss ratio.
The All Blues came out strong and scored almost immediately in the opening drive of the game, exploiting defensive disorganization from Atlanta after penalties. After the second kickoff, there was an Atlanta line out that lock Katie Chou intercepted directly, taking the ball up for a solid gain. Altanta was able to kick the ball downfield after a Berkeley 5m scrum, but Berkeley regained possession of the ball in a line out. Jenn Sever dove over an Atlanta player for a diving try, bringing the score to 14-0, within the first 10 minutes of the game.
Atlanta was determined not to let Berkeley pull away, and brought play to All Blues territory for the first time around minute 12. Flyhalf Ruth Bryson kicked it downfield, where the All Blues regained possession, but a bobbled pass was picked up by the Atlanta wing. Berkeley wing Cameo Motley gave chase all the way down the field but was inches short of the tackle. Atlanta conversion was good, bringing the score to 14-7.
The try seemed to shake something in the All Blues, who wouldn’t allow much time in their territory for the remainder of the game. The only remaining Atlanta try came from a breakaway from their fullback Jessica Wooden at minute 50. Remaining All Blues tries came from: Cameo Motley (2), Blair Groefsema (2), Nathalie Marchino, and Jenn Sever. Final score of the game was 44-14.
Match Video
vs. Atlanta [FTG] 10.19.13 from Berkeley All Blues Rugby on Vimeo.
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