In a match-up against a much stronger and experienced team, the San Diego Armada Rugby Football Club (SDARFC) lost 73-3 to the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) on Jan. 28 at the Little Q rugby field at Qualcomm Stadium.

The Armada was down two players at the beginning of the match, but fielded a full side with the help of some loaned bodies. The Armada took the ball on the bounce and proceeded to run it down the pitch toward the goal. OMBAC moved in with a strong defensive line and good tackles, effectively clearing the rucks and forcing the Armada to fight to retain possession.

The Armada drove forward with a few short crashes by the forward pack, picking up momentum, but was unable to maintain their progress and eventually lost the ball in a ruck. The OMBAC seized the opportunity and capitalized on the weaker defense of the Armada, running the ball in for the first try of the match.

Much of the remaining first half was spent in OMBAC’s end of the pitch, as the Armada attempted to score but came up just short of the OMBAC try line every time.

OMBAC, however, were effective not only in their own defensive line but in their ability to offensively read the Armada defense and adjust accordingly.

“Three of those tries [15 points] were won through fitness alone. They simply outran us,” Armada forwards captain Jonathan Wygant said.

Armada coach Mary Swanstrom thought the team played well despite the lopsided score.

“It was a hard-pressed game, and we definitely showed a lot of improvement out there,” she said. “We played well during the first few stages of the game and forced them out to the wings, where they just blew us away with their speed. I’m proud that we kept playing and didn’t give up. We obviously have room to improve our defense, but we played well.”

OMBAC finished at the top of Division III last year. They are very strong defensively, giving up only 23 total points in their last five contests. Their ability to read defense and capitalize on gaps has resulted in scoring 318 points during those five matches.

As a brand new team in its first year of league play, the Armada continues to grow and gain experience. Strong defensive play in the first two breakdowns of the game forced OMBAC out into open field, where the Armada stumbled in defense. The Armada promises to become a much stronger team with improvements in the third and fourth breakdowns.

The Armada’s next game, against Eagle Rock, is scheduled for Feb. 18 at Robb Field.

The Armada welcomes all players, regardless of prior experience or physical fitness levels. League season extends through April, with tournament play and social matches scheduled throughout the rest of the year. Visit www.sdarmada.org for more information.