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Reflections on the Pac-10 Tournament |
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OSU's Southern California trip was a very productive one. Although the win loss record was not what you may want or expect, 1-3, the play on the field was some of the most satisfying in some time and the team made great strides over the weekend.
The Beavers started off against Cal Berkley. They entered two teams in the tournament since 3 of the PAC 10 teams did not show. OSU started a freshman tight head prop, a freshman inside center, a freshman fullback, and played a freshman flank and a freshman inside center in the 2nd half. The 15 on the field included a loose head prop is playing his first year at that position, one lock who has not played for 3 years, a fly 1/2 playing his first year there since high school... you get the picture. The Beavers showed no fear and stood toe to toe with them for most of the game. The score was 41-0 but Cal had to work hard for every point. UCLA was next and unfortunately the inexperience bug showed up. OSU started out with a 3-0 lead from a 42 meters penalty kick from the Beaver's Freshman fullback. UCLA scored on a quick tap penalty kick and the remainder of the game seemed to be planted inside UCLA's 22 meter line. OSU lost 7-3 with a great effort, but the team's inexperience was too much. The last match of the day was played against Arizona. All players who had yet to play took the field. Injuries also played a factor as OSU lost their fly 1/2 to a broken hand, scrum 1/2 to a sore shoulder. By this time due to previous injuries last term to back ups who didn't make the trip, the 3rd string fly 1/2 and scrum 1/2 saw time. The Beaver forwards were largely untested, but these young men played with grit and determination before losing 7-0. Sunday brought USC and the boys finally put it together for a win. OSU's scrum 1/2 came back and the back up fly half playing on a badly sprained ankle hung in there. The loose forwards were all over the field making tackles and stealing the ball. The result was a 20-7 win that was well deserved by boys that worked hard all weekend. The 1-3 record for the weekend clearly did not show the whole story. |
