(Rita Hickey photo)
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This weekend sees the commencement of men’s Division I action in California.
The Ganey Cup preseason kicks off in Southern Cal, while simultaneously the Northern Cal competition blasts off with some tasty matchups.
As we mentioned earlier in the week, reigning SoCal champs Las Vegas host Santa Barbara in the opening round of the Ganey Cup.
The Blackjacks have made no secret of the fact that they have a national title in their sights and the Ganey Cup will provide them with the opportunity to get everything in sync leading into Southern California league play in February.
Vegas dusted off the cobwebs last weekend with a big win against Tempe, but the Grunions should be an altogether different proposition.
Other opening day games see OMBAC making the trek north up the 5 to play Belmont Shore in Long Beach, while Los Angeles hosts Santa Monica - two matches that should produce some smash-mouth rugby football, even if it is the opening weekend of the preseason.
The Huntington Beach Unicorns have an extra week off to prepare for the Cup rounds.
In northern California, the action should be just as intense with old rivals going at it hammer and tong right from the get go.
Most interest will be on 2008 national semifinalists Olympic Club as they rev up the engine for another run at a championship.
The O-Club is due to hook up with San Mateo, a contest that is almost always one in which no quarter is asked and none is given.
Elsewhere, 2007 national champions Hayward will turn on the ignition switch as they lock horns with an improved Sacramento Lions side. Again, two more games that will have fans salivating at the prospect of finally getting to see some footy after months of thinking about it.
All in all, not a bad way to whet the appetite for what’s to come in 2009.
