Fallbrook Girls Rugby dominates Belmont Shore

The Fallbrook Girls Rugby U18 team took on Belmont Shore Youth Rugby’s U18 team March 30, at Ingold Sports Park in Fallbrook.

Both teams were missing injured players following the previous week’s Fullerton International Invitational Tournament the weekend before and Belmont requested that the game be played 12 against 12 instead of the standard 15 against 15 lineups.

Despite the smaller on-field roster, the Warriors displayed their considerable depth, speed and ball movement in soundly defeating the visitors 89-5.

Freshman Tiahna Padilla led the Warriors with five tries and fellow frosh Jordan Duncan scored three times. Sisters Julia and Shelby Tippin along with Analiese Dalton scored twice. Grace Cockroft, Morgan Bitner, Nevaeh Rivera and McKenzie Jones each scored once.

Coach Craig Pinnell recognized four rugby girls for their play: Julia Tippin for her tackling, Celis for positive tackles, Shelby Tippin for straightening the backline and attack and Padilla for looking up and finding space.

The Warriors will next play defending Southern California Youth Rugby U18 champions, South Bay at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Potter Junior High School. The FGRC U15 team will play at noon.

Jeff Pack can be reached at [email protected].