Founded in 1979 in Piedmont, California, PITS has been playing rugby, “a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen” on the West Coast and internationally for 30 years.
There will be a brunch to celebrate this year’s PITS team held at Toast’s house (219 Highland Ave) beginning at 10:00 am. Players will be in the parade and are expected to show up to the brunch, the parade will follow.
Here’s a great way to improve your game right here in the Bay Area:
This Thursday-Sunday 
San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club will host Elite Rugby Day Camps for both Coaches and Players at SFGG’s Rocca Field on Treasure Island. The camps will take place from Thursday June 25th through Sunday June 28th for players and June 27th through June 28th for Coaches.
The camps will include coach Scott Robertson, former New Zealand All Black, World XV, Canterbury Crusader and Super 12 player of the year and current Canterbury Crusaders Skills Coach, as well as coach Greg Feek former New Zealand All Black, New Zealand Maori, Canterbury Crusader and current Wellington Hurricanes Scrum Coach. The camps will also feature other notable coaches such as former USA Eagle fly half Grant Wells in kicking seminars, as well as others. The camps will provide modules in skills handling, decision making, kicking, line outs, and scrums from specialist coaches. For the coaches, there will be coaching sessions in set piece tactics with line outs and scrums, defensive patterns and techniques, modules regarding ball in contact and team play including demonstrations, video analysis and others.
To reserve your spot now for what looks to be a great camp, contact Paul Keeler at sfggcoach@gmail.com for more information. Cost is $300 for players and $150 for coaches.
Click Here for the detailed camp schedule which shows the depth of the knowledge and training available at the camp.
Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament Silver Cup ChampionsCongratulations on your many great, gritty moments on the pitch like this
Thank you Nhoj and Coaches.
Plenty of great opportunities to improve your skills and maintain fitness over the summer. Here are a just a couple:
San Francisco Golden Gate Camp with former All-Blacks June 25-28
Cal Rugby Camp for Players July 14-17
There are camps for coaches, as well:
Cal Rugby Camp for Coaches July 10-12
PITS’ end-of-season banquet is Thursday May 14 at 6:00 at the Milnes’ house. Texas bbq / $10 per person, cash at the door! Siblings welcome. Parents, BYO adult beverage.
We’re outside in the backyard, so bring a jacket or sweatshirt. Parents, bring a checkbook too — we hope to have some PITS fan gear available to order!
note: the mandatory PHS football meeting at 5:00 that evening is expected to take only 30 - 45 minutes, so we don’t anticipate a conflict.
Hey PITS fans! The following is the NCRFU referees’ report:
NEW TEAM ON THE BLOCK? Report by John Coppinger:
PITS (Piedmont U-19) has been centered in the community of Piedmont for decades now drawing players from Piedmont High School, Bishop O’Dowd, and various other high schools in the Oakland area. Ray Lehner, who teaches at O’Dowd, is pushing to start an O’Dowd program next year. In order to give the O’Dowd effort a boost, Mike Sagehorn and the De LaSalle team agreed to play an extra fixture at O’Dowd this past Saturday against Piedmont. I handled the Frosh/Soph match and Preston Gordon refereed the varsity match.
Frosh/Soph: PIEDMONT 17 – De La Salle 19 Ref: CoppingerAR: Ed BarfelsAt the kickoff of the Frosh/Soph match, the stands were full of folks and the bar-b-cue was smoking. De La Salle prevailed over Piedmont 19-17. It was a fun match played in good spirits and a number of the Piedmont players were former Little Leaguers who played with or against my son over the years. My thanks to Ed Barfels for acting as AR. Thanks also to the unknown TJ from Piedmont (a Frosh/Soph reserve) who politely listened and smiled as he was severely admonished by a De LaSalle supporter (an adult former player who should know better) when he failed to call (and overrule me on) what the supporter judged to be a forward pass by Piedmont (and it wasn’t). Beyond the one knucklehead, it was a beautiful day for rugby. I had to miss Preston’s match, but I caught up w/ John Collum, Mike Sagehorn, John Hyland, Jerry Figone, and Preston at Crogan’s, where Trailer was a generous host. Also in attendance at the pitch were Pelicans Joe Saccomanno and Rob Hendrickson.
Varsity: PIEDMONT 34 – De La Salle 10 Referee: Preston GordonHalftime 12-7AR: Ed Barfels On a sunny afternoon at Bishop O’Dowd high school in Oakland, PITS played their last match of the season. I arrived about halfway through the frosh/soph game which had John Coppinger in charge, and took a few pictures of the crowd that had gathered for the occasion. I’d estimate there were a couple hundred people in attendance, both PITS and De La Salle fans. Lots of parents, teammates, fellow students, girlfriends, etc. It’s great to see that HS rugby is this well supported and certainly bodes well for the future!
After the pre-match chat, we kicked off at about 1520. Both teams were pretty well matched up size-wise, but it was clear shortly after the opening whistle that PITS was the better-drilled side. Their forwards controlled the scrums, and although a few had to be reset during the game, it was a fairly one-sided affair. In the backs, both teams threw the ball around quite a bit and each side had several really good runs. There was a bit of indiscriminate kicking, and more than the usual number of knock-ons for a warm, dry day, which seemed to favor PITS’ control of the scrums too. The game was somewhat constrained by the (lack of) width of the football field, and the lack of proper rugby lines caused a bit of confusion on occasion, but we got on with it. At halftime it was 12-7 if I recall correctly, and a great contest. There was only one occasion where I had to deal with a dangerous tackle with something other than my voice or whistle - thanks for that, guys. PITS ran away with the game in the last 20 minutes or so, even though many of their seniors were taken off to give next year’s seniors a run. We finished at 34-10, a well-earned victory to PITS that perhaps flatters them a bit. De La Salle has several players of their own who looked dangerous all game too.
The sideline support was great throughout the day, and if anything, it grew. Someone was kind enough to operate the scoreboard and clock, which is a huge help to the fans - we need more of this in American rugby. PITS organized a great BBQ and feed after the game too. All in all it was an excellent way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Ed who stuck around to AR, and also to the gentleman whose name I didn’t catch who had the flag on the other touchline.
PITS dominated De La Salle at Bishop O’Dowd, Saturday, May 9, by a score of 34-10.
Congratulations PITS on a fabulous finish to a stellar season!
Photos from PITS victory over De La Salle at Bishop O’Dowd, Saturday, May 9.
Carson, Travis and Dante (right, bottom to top) pause for the referee's command vs. De La Salle. (Photo by Bianca Gorman)
Two of the hundred-plus PITS fans intent on the action at Bishop O'Dowd. (Photo by Bianca Gorman)
Travis pulls away from a De La Salle tackler. (Photo by Bianca Gorman)
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PITS RUGBY Wins Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament Silver Division
Carl Hendrickson Selected Tournament MVP
PITS 15- Peninsula Green 10
On an overcast Saturday morning, PITS kicked off day one of the Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament in San Jose against Peninsula Green, a team that they had narrowly lost to at the beginning of the season at the Sacramento Kick Off Tournament. With revenge on their minds, PITS started strong with some sustained early first half pressure inside their opponents 22 meter line that culminated in a great push over try by All Star 8-man, Carl Hendrickson.
Peninsula responded quickly with some very aggressive forward play and although PITS defended bravely Peninsula scored a try to tie the game 5-5, going into halftime. This was a seesaw contest with both teams swapping possession and scoring opportunities. Early in the second half PITS stripped a Peninsula ball carrier and Carl Hendrickson once again demonstrated his great strength and determination as he broke into the opponents half, leaving a wake of players in his path. Before being brought down, he off-loaded to Dante Affonso who made further ground albeit with an opponent attached to each limb. The Peninsula outside center was “sin binned” for an infraction in an attempt to waylay the PITS onslaught. David Johnson quickly capitalized driving home the advantage with some very bold running to score a well earned try.
Peninsula showed grit and determination, tying the score once again at 10-10 after some strong rucking.
But with minutes to go and advancement in the tournament on the line, PITS found another gear. With the heart and passion that has come to characterize this young team a period of sustained pressure inside their opponents 22 meter line, led to a succession of penalties. The PITS pack led by Travis Moscone, newly returned from his tour to England with the American Eagles U17 team, ran hard and rucked ferociously. They were rightfully rewarded for their efforts in the dying seconds of the game with Hendrickson scoring his second try of the day securing the win with a final score of 15-10.
In this very hard fought contest, flyhalf Charlie Sweeney kicked with confidence and consistency and the back line moved the ball through their hands with grace and fluency. But the day belonged to the PITS forwards. Their great lineout, scrummaging and counter-rucking wore down a very strong Peninsula Green team for a deserved victory in front of beaming smiles from coaches Cullom, Meyersieck, Campodonico and Schroeder.
PITS 24, Marin Highlanders 12
PITS started like a shot out of a gun in their second game against highly ranked Marin Highlanders. PITS drove at the Marin defense relentlessly in the first 10 minutes of the game and were rewarded with two quick tries to establish an early 12-0 lead. Hendrickson once again burst through the Marin line with quick thinking and quick movement from a penalty inside the 22 meter line. Sweeney hit the conversion. Scrumhalf Nick Singer floated one of his trademark chips in behind the Marin defense that Jesse Milne ran onto, with great pace, to score a well worked try. Marin came back before the end of the half showing their own brand of hard-nosed rugby ending the half at 12-7.
With both teams giving their all, there was an exchange of tries early in the second half. Charlie Sweeney made a key interception, that saw PITS break strongly from inside their own half. With Marin on the back foot, PITS forwards built phase upon phase of relentless, punishing pressure, driving Marin back inside their own 5 meter line to once again set up Carl Hendrickson to take the ball over for his fourth try of the day.
At 17-12 the game was still up for grabs, but it was evident that PITS had found their form. PITS put the game to bed when a series of crisp, timely passes through the hands of the backline which once more saw Marin on the back foot. With everyone on the field moving left, outside center George Fullerton ran a well conceived scissors movement to the right, cutting across the grain, breaking tackles as he galloped over the try line to secure the final score and a 24-12 PITS victory.
Silver Cup Championship Match: PITS 29, Islanders 19
With two solid wins under their belt, PITS faced perennial PCIT powerhouse Burbank Islanders of Sacramento in Sunday’s tournament final. The game stood up to its billing. Burbank streaked to the final with a big, strong, physical side who had played impressive rugby in both prior games. Although missing starters Moscone and Hanafee, the latter through injury sustained in the first game, PITS were up for the challenge.
The game started at a frenetic pace with both teams scoring within the first few minutes. But soon the PITS forwards, as had been the case all weekend, started to pound away at the Burbank defense and PCIT Tournament MVP Carl Hendrickson added another two tries for a first half hat trick. Sweeney added to the tally with two fine conversions giving PITS a comfortable 19-7 halftime lead.
With a renewed resolve, Burbank flew down the field in a series of quick phases to score in the first minute of the second half. Adding the conversion now meant that at 19-14 the game was still there for anyone to win. But once again, PITS settled into their rhythm of solid rucking and mauling. David Johnson was again a great performer in the lineouts and unsung hero Dante Affonso capped off some more great forward work with a fabulous second half try.
Not to be out done, the PITS backline contributed with a beautifully executed try of their own. Fullback Jesse Milne recovered a high kick deep in his own half returning it into Burbank territory with a dazzling run. At full speed the backs moved the ball through their hands out to winger Ethan Kaiser-Klimist who scampered 40 yards for a sensational try. The final nail was in the coffin. At 29-19 PITS had worn down their worthy opponents and secured not only the victory but first place in the tournament with an unbeaten record.
Next week, as is the PITS tradition, PITS will embark on their annual Tour. The Varsity squad will travel to Seattle to play a couple of highly ranked local teams and act as worthy ambassadors of not only Bay Area high school rugby but the Piedmont community.
A limited number of 2009 Tour T-shirts are available for purchase for $20. (Sizes L, XL and XXL only.)
Please make a check out to PITS Rugby and give to Nick Z. Quantities are limited, so do it soon!
All players,
For the next two weeks we have changed our practice schedule to the following:
Tuesday 3:45pm at Coaches field
Wednesday 6:15am at Witter
Thrusday 3:45pm at Coaches field
There will be no carpool in the afternooons because the field is within walking distance of school.
Directions to Coaches: (from the high school) follow magnolia to the vase and turn left on Highland Ave. Follow Highland north and turn right on Moraga (the very end of highland). Take Moraga Ave. east and make the first possible left into the parking lot there.
Tour Players,
There is a MANDATORY meeting at Nick Zarbo’s house (18 Dormidera Ave., Piedmont) on Monday April 27th at 7:30. All information and gear will be adressed at this meeting.
This meeting is just for players and will be brief.
-Nick Z
Pacific Coast Rugby Football Union Boy’s Varsity Silver 1st Place 2009.
I think the name says it all.
PITS will again play in the PCIT this coming weekend April 25-26, this year at San Jose State University (changed from Santa Clara). PITS is entered in the Varsity Silver division, with 2 matches Saturday and 1 Sunday:
Saturday matches are 45 minutes with 5 minutes halftime. Sunday match is full time, or less if agreed by both sides. Frosh/Soph players are encouraged to come, although playing time will be based on need and is not guaranteed.
Click Here for the Pacific Coast Invitational Tournament website for the latest available info on the tournament. U-19 Varsity Silver division clubs:
2. Rio Linda
3. Vacaville
5. Islanders (Sacramento, not Alameda)
7. PITS
8. Santa Rosa
(Note: The Northern Calfornia High School Championship (multi-school sides) match will be played at 1:35pm Saturday at San Jose State between Hayward and Lamorinda. Lamo beat Rio Linda and SF Golden Gate (who had beaten the Islanders of Sacramento), and Hayward beat San Mateo to get to the championship game).
Photos courtesy of Bianca Gorman.
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Rematch! The Lamo Frosh match is Monday April 20 at 4pm at our home field at Mills College!!
Frosh/Soph only.
Carpool 3:30 at Community Center, as per normal for Mills practices.
Go PITS!
(Marin Lions are unavailable to play on Monday 4/20 and Oakland Warthogs cannot make a school day match.)