San Diego coast to win over Utah

The San Diego Legion rode an 18-3 halftime lead through a low-scoring second half to come away 21-10 winners over the Utah Warriors at Torero Stadium on Saturday. Sunshine facilitated running rugby in the first half but the conditions deteriorated in the second that served to put a halt on ambition.

Weather was not a factor in the opening 40 minutes. San Diego used the dry pitch to their advantage and stretched the Utah defense with JP du Plessis going over on the end of a flowing sideline-to-sideline attacking move that went through multiple sets of hands. Joe Pietersen added the extras and a penalty kick soon after to make it 10-point game.

Utah struggled to make inroads but eventually got into scoring position and Tim O’Malley knocked over a three-pointer. It broke up San Diego’s momentum but only temporarily.

A second Pietersen penalty was followed by a try just ahead of the intermission. Again the Warriors were found wanting in defense out wide, and this time it was Devin Short who was at the end of the try-scoring pass from Pietersen.

The Warriors found some extra zip at the break and came out with purpose. From a lineout just inside the 22 meter line they executed their driving maul to perfection with Angus MacLellan steering at the back and given the try.

Another score was on offer as Fetu’u Vainikolo picked off an errant Mike Te’o pass and broke clear. Short was able to track him down and the Utah support couldn’t connect to leave the opportunity begging.

Rain crept into the air and with its arrival continuity suffered. Eventually the San Diego scrum won a penalty and Pietersen added three points to ice the result. The Warriors had a chance to earn a losing bonus point at the death but a knock-on snuffed out the opportunity.

The Legion have a quick turnaround as they hit the road for a match against Austin Elite at Dell Diamond on Friday evening. Utah will play at home on Saturday against the Glendale Raptors.

SCORING

SAN DIEGO 21
Tries – J. du Plessis (18’), D. Short (38’)
Cons – J. Pietersen 1/2 (19’)
Pens – J. Pietersen 3/3 (22’, 33’, 73’)

UTAH 10
Tries – A. MacLellan (44’)
Cons – T. O’Malley 1/1 (45’)
Pens – T. O’Malley 1/1 (28’)

Credit: Americas Rugby News