The first league match for both teams was played on a pitch that held up very strongly through torrential rains. No rain today, though, as the hosts started off well. A halftime score of two tries and one conversion, plus a penalty kick, was evidence of their performance. They would have had a third try had it not been nullified in favor of a penalty. The second half was a more defensive-oriented period. Overall, Santa Rosa proved very adept at creating opportunities out of broken play. Baracus ran and tackled hard, but could not make much headway against the host’s tough backline defense.