Irish overcome Belmont Shore in California

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Playing the second in what we hope become a series of games against US Super League teams, Irish Canadians topped Belmont Shore 34-10 on a gorgeous December Saturday at Cal State Long Beach.

The four day tour party of 24 players and staff overcame the absence of five starters, and little preparation to run in four good tries against their Super League hosts.  Shore were also missing players from their starting line up and looked slightly less organized at the start of their season.

Kyler Petrie began the games scoring with a try in the tenth minute, followed by the first of two tries by newcomer Jason Verstraten.  Shore managed an unconverted try late in the first half to close the gap to 14-5 at the intermission.

Despite the inevitable fatigue that comes on tour, and a raft of substitutions made by the home side at the break, Irish put together a sound second half to win their second straight game against Super League competition.  Peter Crocker touched down after Ed Gardners' penalty made it 17-5, and Verstratens burst with ten minutes to play capped the scoring. Gardner was six from seven on the day to round out the score sheet.

"I know both teams would have preferred to play with more settled line ups, but in the final analysis, our best available beat their best available," said Irish coach Mark Winokur. "I actually thought we played a very sound game with few major mistakes, and we counter attacked very well. We had a good training session on Friday, and played to the pattern established there."

Belmont Shore's new coach, former Auckland Blues Super 12 player Matt Weber, singled out Gardner and Verstraten out for praise after the game.

The tour itself featured visits to Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, the Anaheim/Nashville NHL game and several locales with license to sell spirits.  "We had a fantastic time, and gained memories and stories that will last forever," said Winokur, "We are trying to start a new tradition with the club, and we are also proud to represent Ontario and Canadian rugby against the best North America has to offer. We hope to continue on next year."

1st XV Squad (1-15):  Dean MacLean, Brett Domenchuk (Darcy Longpre - 70 minutes), Ryan Carr, Chris Gallimore, Ramzi Azar (Simon Jackson - 60 minutes), Dave Laing, George Azar (Captain), Peter Crocker, Rob Forbrigger (Peter Ameli - 38 minutes), Ed Gardner, Dave Bergeron, Henry Miers, Kyler Petrie, Tom Madden, Jason Verstraten