A nail-biter
February 12, 2026 - CM
The Santos opened their Spring Schedule against the Brujos last weekend, Feb 7th, the two teams on top of our division as it stands. It was a Home match for the Santos, however that home is called Socorro, you might have heard of it (Garden Spot of NM) I believe Wheelock refers to it as. This brutal winter we are having does not allow us on our fields as you know...until about March.. hopefully.
I interviewed coach Rainer Ball and captain Ryan Weir post-match, I was unable to attend in person. I will be paraphrasing a bit and doing my best but specific details you will NOT be getting out of this Match Report. The first half of the first game started as always captain Weir says, "Chaos". The Santos have really just had a handful of training sessions with less than sufficient numbers, more like get togethers in Fort Marcy Park the past month or so and the set pieces showed per coach Ball. "Basically, we could not win a line out" and the Santos were down 2 - 3 tries from the get go. Then the chitter chatter stated with the Sir, former Santo, Brujo and Techie of all teams, Mr. Mark Kelley. I was told Sir Kelley called a very good match. The one bright spot of the first half was good defensive effort.
Redeem thy self. That's what second halves and beer drinking are for, right? After a "talking to" at halftime and perhaps some playing time together (now 40 minutes) the Santos were ready to make this a match. Phase play started to take hold and all the sudden the Santos were not only back in this game with a few tries but a small lead as well. The Brujos fought back however and dotted down once again, but it cost them a Red Card. Here come the Santos again, wanting the lead back and they got it. At this point the Santos are up by just a couple of points but there is only 5 minutes left in the game. The Santos had possession with about 2 minutes on the clock but were unable to maintain the rock and it resulted in a turn over try for the Brujos. Final whistle. Heart Breaking.
Vincent Beltran
Diego Cardiel - Try
Dylan Merrigan
Jeremy Lithgow
Billy - Man of the Match
Jason Osborn
Enrique "KiKi" - Try
Ryan Weir
Elijah Naranjo
Milan Van Wyk - Try, 4 conversions
Dane Robergs
Rainer Ball
KC Martin
Justin Stallworth
Izzy Sanchez -Try
Connor
Tanner
Scottie
Sam
Tyler
Jaime Terrazas
Coach mentioned KiKi, Dane, Weir, Merrigan, Diego all played well but Billy took Man of the Match honors. Alot of new names here, yeah you're telling me, but captain Weir says "he was totally proud of the effort, especially for the first match of the season against a very good opponent, the Heart is there, small changes will result in big things, very promising and we have a high ceiling." Weir is excited at the buy in from the boys and the culture is growing." This interview took place at training 3 days after the match, I saw men, women and highschoolers attending practice, very promising as a new women's team is starting up here in Santa Fe, the Diablas I believe. Message me if you want additional Women's team info.
In other news: On a sad note, some of us will be attending a memorial service for Old Boy Jim Mokres this Saturday, Wheelock has been sending out info on this, check your email for details or reach out to me if needed. A couple of our forwards are turning 40 this week, Dylan Merrigan and Jeremy Lithgow, buy them a 40-ounce beer. And some new Cardiel's; Mateo & Margaret just introduced Louisa Mae in January and I hear Diego's wife is close to popping here soon, Congrats.
Remaining Spring Schedule:
Feb. 21 @ Aardvarks - Albq.
Feb. 28 @ Landsharks - Flagstaff
Mar. 7 Home Vegas Irish
Mar 21 @ Scorpions El Paso
Mar 28 Home Brujos
Apr. 11 & 12 SWRU Playoffs, AZ
All game times are to be determined as we get closer. Practice is Tues. & Thurs. with some Saturdays mixed in at Fort Marcy right now, message me for more details. I will try my best to keep you Old Boys in the loop this season, bear with me on my wordsmithing and journalistic accuracy... hah, first beer is always on me. Cheers, Santos Nation.
