St. Louis Bombers Rugby Football Club

Belmont Shore combined power and pace to remain undefeated in a dominating victory over the St. Louis Bombers. Halfback Lee Peina contributed 20 points to lead his side to a lop-sided 67-0 win in the regular season finale. The Bombers were hoping to pull off the upset and advance to the playoffs in their first Super League season, but Belmont was simply too strong.

St. Louis let a try go slipping moments into the match as halfback Bryan Lay's pass just eluded fullback Conail Boyd. Belmont quickly responded with a multi-phase attack that ended with fullback Tony Fratangelo scoring in the corner for the day's opening points. Belmont put on a very impressive display of support play and were rewarded with four more tries before the half. Flanker Mike Kedgley and flyhalf Malifa Valenese added tries from good support of line breaks from hard-running forwards Henry Bloomfield and Sika Poching. Peina's conversions and a penalty kick put Belmont up 29-0. Valenese and Peina added converted tries just before the halftime whistle to push Belmont in front 43-0 at the break.

St. Louis opened the second period with sustained pressure on the Belmont line as big forwards Hayden Mexted and Scott Lay were repeatedly stopped inches from the line. Bomber wing TJ Ebner ran around his opposite several times, only to be denied each time by excellent Belmont cover defense. Belmont flanker Dustin Snow scored another try for Belmont from excellent support to put his side up 50-0. Belmont wings Sinipati Uiagelelei and Peter Sio added tries to increase the lead to 62-0 in the dying stages. Fratangelo finished the scoring, darting through a tired Bomber defense to bring the final to 67-0.

It was a long day for the Bombers, but they can hold their heads up high for their accomplishments in their inaugural RSL season. The Belmont Shore display showcased their fitness, support, execution and character as they fine-tuned their game for the playoffs.