Another thrilling day of rugby unfolded in Arizona this past Saturday. The Tempe Sports Complex turned into a battleground between two of the top teams in the country in the USA Rugby Division 1 competition. The San Diego Surfers, a club with a long history and many achievements—including lifting the national title in 2023—traveled to Arizona to play the second game of their series against a new and reinvigorated Tempe team. The first encounter between the two sides this year was on January 6, when the Surfers managed to dominate at home against the Ninjas with a 29-0 score.
However, this Saturday was different.
The game was one of the best matches we've witnessed this year at all local levels. Those teams can play! On offense, the Ninjas relied on their very able forward pack to power through a very well-organized San Diego defense. Chloe Jex (#5) for the Ninjas, as usual, had a great day at the office, punishing everyone that got in front of her. Kat Lanzante (prop), a new addition to this year's team, also had a great game, always finding herself in all the right places and displaying an impressive work rate for 80 minutes. The Ninjas were able to score two forward tries for the day through Whitney Swain (#2 Hooker) and #8 Maddi Strubhar.
The Surfers chose an open field attack strategy, trying to distance the ball from Tempe's demoralizing forwards and constantly testing Tempe's backline and outside channels. Through a skilled and experienced fly-half, Kristin Bitter, and quick inside center, Maddie Arenchild, the Surfers were able to move the ball from side to side with ease, testing the Tempe backline defense in every possible way. From switches to skip passes to two-line attacks and everything in between, the Surfers' backline was very satisfying to watch. The Surfers managed to score two tries in the game, both through their backs. Wing Ashley Torrecillas scored one try and inside center Maddie Arenchild the second try.
As fun as it was to watch all the attacks coordinated by the two very well-coached teams, defense stole the show. Both teams played great defense and lots of it. With a lot of rugby played in the 80-minute clash, both teams had the skill and personnel on offense to create and execute. It quickly became obvious that the game was going to be won by who defends better. And it was a dogfight. Both teams were able to stay composed and disciplined for most of the time. Big tackles and constant pressure from both sides made for a hard-fought game that was nail-biting. The players on both sides had to dig deep and play hard all game. The game on Saturday came down to "who wants it more," and both teams wanted to win and were willing to put in the work and effort to do so. At the end of the 80 minutes, the referee blew the whistle and called it: SURFERS 14, NINJAS 14.
to watch the full game visit www.playrugbyaz.com/tv
below are a few pictures from the day . All pictures are free to use by players ,
their friends and family
