Santa Monica vs. Las Vegas

1.28.12
We took a trip out to Southern California back in January to watch Ti Tonga play rugby. Since I have weekends off we decided to turn it into a mini family getaway. We picked up our rental on Friday so that we could hit the road as soon as I got off work Saturday morning. I got a little bit of sleep in the car, but not much. There was no major traffic and the weather was BEAUTIFUL! As soon as we got there we went straight to the field where Ti Tonga's team was playing. Super intense game with it resulting in a draw. The boys had the camera most of the time, so I didn't get that many pictures of the game, but here's the few that I have...

I regret packing pants. Should've only taken shorts and sandals!!

 

Siope kept saying he was a scarecrow

I could create a whole blog dedicated to this crazy kid!

Just busted my lip wrestling with my brothers... no biggie

Final Score: Santa Monica - 27, Las Vegas - 27 

more trip details to come...

Teti's Team

"Mom, is Teti's team called the Flap Jacks?"
-Nic

I couldn't stop laughing when Nic asked about the "flapjacks". I didn't want to correct him cause I thought it was hilarious so I told him "Yes, Teti's team is called the flapjacks :)

I came across another article on rugbymag.com where they featured a pic of Ti front and center. Here's what the had to say about him: "While the backline featuring Esikia, Seta Tuilevuka and Mike Palefau was superb against Shore, the real stars, said Esikia, was the front row of Bryan Savelio, Clay Mihaere and David Fangupo at hooker."

Las Vegas Blackjacks 2010- National Champs!

Ti has played rugby for years, but always in Salt Lake. When we moved out here he stopped- which honestly I had no problem with ;) I'm sure it was because back in Salt Lake he knew EVERYONE and out here it was the complete opposite. This year he finally got out of his bubble and started practicing with a team at Sunset Park. He ended up trying out for the Blackjacks and made it. He's had the opportunity to travel with the team as they've competed in several different states... their latest destination being Glendale Colorado where they played in the final 4 for the national championship.

rugymag.com said...
"GLENDALE, Colo. - Without much dispute, the two best teams in DI played for a national championship Sunday at Infinity Park where Las Vegas defeated Belmont Shore 36-22 to take home the crown that evaded them in the same game and venue a year ago."
Ti was on cloud nine! And I have to admit although I am not a fan of the sport I was ecstatic for his accomplishment. He loves the game so much and I was so happy that he was able to work toward a goal, achieve it, and reap the rewards of hard work and dedication.

^Ti and his team mates on the front cover of LV City Life. The boys thought this was super cool!

The 2010 rugby season is over and (for me) it could not have come at a better time. I'm going to enjoy this short break from rugby and soccer and cannot wait to start sleeping in on Saturdays!

Victorious Saturday

9:20 am: Force FC vs. Buffalos >>Final Score 3-0
12:00 pm: Kickin' Littles vs. Bullets >>Final Score 3-1
1:00 pm: Blackjacks vs. Back Bay >>Final Score 79-10

The boys each had games this morning. Mote's team did a lot better today. Last week's beating was pretty brutal, but today Mote scored and helped his team pull a win. Nici and Siope are coming right along. Nic got close to scoring a couple times. They are so fun to watch. This game there was a lot more improvement on actually stopping when the ref blew his whistle :) We celebrated their victories with snow cones from the snack bar. We didn't get a chance to make it to Ti Tonga's rugby game, but they played a team from Newport Beach today and also came out on top.