Menlo-Atherton produced a very nice performance in beating HS Club #17 Granite Bay 29-24 Saturday.

Menlo's early loss to SFGG is well and truly in the rear view mirror as the club has ramped up its performances since then. Athletic and smart, powerful but disciplined they are starting to emulate the play of their Co-Head Coach Shaun Paga, who was exactly like that for Cal, the All Americans, and the USA 7s and 15s teams.

"I am just so proud of our boys," said Paga. "Rugby means everything to these kids and they are starting to believe in themselves, which is everything." 

Captain Alex Tautuaa was the forwards man of the match. The massive prop was devastating on his carries and strong on defense, Steven Stone was the best back of the game, covering the field nicely at fullback and making some key tackles.

Saia Pongi also performed well at flyhalf.

See the full game here:

Marin Holds Off Danville

The result also epitomized the back-and-forth nature of Northern California rugby this year. No team has fully taken control of the league, and several times we've seen some very close results. Menlo, dropped from the GRR Top 50 last week has showed they are worthy of returning. And Marin, which has been on the receiving end of some close losses, pulled off a close win over #12 Danville this week.

Marin took an early lead with a try by wing Alex Riley and held that lead for the rest of the game. Co-captain and No. 8 Jack Radachy scored a try while co-captain and center Enzo Filipetto converted both tries and added four penalty goals in a 26-24 victory.

Danville had the ball with time winding down but the Marin defense held.

Close Games in NorCal

Among the results we've seen this spring have been:

De La Salle 27 Marin 17

Danville 14 SFGG 12

Menlo-Atherton 33 Lamorinda 22

Mother Lode 21 Gridley 14

Danville 22 Jesuit 12

Granite Bay 17 Jesuit 15

De La Salle 24 Danville 12

Marin 26 Danville 24

Menlo-Athlerton 29 Granite Bay 24

Granite Bay 17 Marin 16

Marin 12 Motherlode 7

Additional NorCal Notes

Jesuit of Sacramento has shut down its season. Injuries and various challenges in the COVID times has promoted the team to wrap things up early.

Meanwhile, a big game looms this Wednesday with De La Salle playing SFGG.