Harlequins 24 - SF Golden Gate 25

From Alex Goff

March 19, 2005 - In what was probably the most thrilling, if not the prettiest, game of the USA Super League's opening weekend, San Francisco Golden Gate overcame a slew of distractions and difficulties to defeat the Dallas Harlequins 25-24.

Flyhalf Matt Sherman's late penalty goal proved the difference on the day. SFGG took the early lead 10-3 and held that into halftime. Dallas tied it up early in the second half and then SFGG began to open it up. This despite losing center Karl Thompson to a badly pulled hamstring.

Up 22-10 the Bay-Area hosts suddenly found themselves on their heels. Dallas ran in two converted tries and led into the late minutes 24-22.

Sherman slotted his goal to make it 25-24 but the drama wasn't over. Working with the wind Dallas had two penalty opportunities. Flyhalf Vaughn Crowe went for goal from 40 meters out and near the touchline and missed. Then from 45 meters out, and in the middle of the pitch, he slipped on a muddy patch and pulled the kick.

"They were difficult kicks but I know he is gutted about it," said Dallas head coach Mark McCloy.

It was a difficult game for either team to lose.

"We didn't really know where we stood," said McCloy. "And now we do9. We were missing two starters and I think when we get them back we'll be OK. I am very happy with the effort."

Inside center Shane Erskine and No. 8 Brett Pedersen both shone for Dallas.

At SFGG there was drama and sadness well before kickoff. Starting hooker Robbie Flynn learned that his father had just passed away, and took a flight to New Zealand to be with his family. That left Aaron Satchwell to step in at hooker, and head coach Bill LeClerc said the loose forward did brilliantly.

Toshi Palamo didn't play, as there is a dispute over his eligibility, while a field and kickoff time change left one starter stuck in traffic. Andrew Armstrong stepped in and did well there.

"Our depth and numbers are good and we needed that today," said LeClerc. "We had some guys put their hands up and say 'I'm the guy,' and all credit to 'em."

LeClerc gave a nod to Dallas and said the win was far too close for comfort.

"But one point is as good as 20," he added. "Every week it's going to be a tough game in the West, so every win is big."

Harlequins XV: Dirk Lochner, Mike Harvey, Mike McGinnis, Shane Erskine, Al Christian, Vaughn Crowe, Jesse Cowan, L.J. Hash, Scott Schmidt, Matt Amonte (Andrew Titie 40), Corne Cronje, Jason Rogers, Jesse Marshall (Tim McNeeley 40), Dave Care, Brett Pedersen

Scoring:
Tries: Pedersen (50), McNeeley (65), Care (73)
Conversions: Crowe (3)
Penalties: Crowe (21)