Kelp Get Revenge on LA Godzilla in Rematch

The Fighting Kelp started the second round of games for the season against LA Godzilla at a dry and dusty Dolphin pit.

The heartbreaking 3 point loss in the first round against Godzilla was on the minds of the Kelp as they took the field. The Kelp had a slow start, pushing deep into the defenders side of the field, but coming up short because of dropped balls and bad passes. With each turnover, Godzilla kicked the ball out to the far side of field, putting the back 3 under pressure. With starting scrum-half Just Weiss coming out earlier with an injury, it was Allen Corruth to take the helm. With quick feet, Corruth took the ball from the scrum, darting past the defense with his teamates not far behind. Using the momentum, forwards cleaned the ball out quickly, with several pick and goes and it was Ryan Scharwath scoring his first try for Santa Monica (it only took him 3 years).

Brenda Wallace made a tough kick from the corner to convert the try. With growing confidence, it wasn’t long before Jamie Facenda cross the line for the Kelp’s second try, however, there was some initial confusion as too actually who scored the try as Jamie camouflaged himself by rubbing his face in the dirt before the play. The Kelp defense let up, and allowed Godzilla to score a try, but it was Scharwath, feeling bold from his first try, decided to score another. Halftime score 17-5. Even though leading by 12 at half, the Kelp were not happy with their performance, they took it upon themselves to protect the ball, tackle and ruck harder and play as a team. Shortly into the second half, it was another forward to cross the line, reserve flanker Gerry Lopez, with another conversion from Wallace.

With only 15 minutes left to play, Godzilla was penalized under the posts and it was Wallace to seal the game with a penalty kick. But the backs had been working hard and playing well together the second half and were hungry for a try themselves. Nate Hall who has been solid in the centers all season, broke the line again for the final Kelp try of the game. Final score 32-5.