Cal Rugby completed a successful weekend of competition in Arizona by defeating the #14 Grand Canyon University Antelopes 74-7. This was the Bears second victory in 48 hours as the Bears also dominated University of Arizona on Saturday.
The Bears were, again, pretty workmanlike. The announcer on the stream repeatedly talked about Cal's tackling and overall defense. The Bears were pretty solid in possession, and were very reliable in defense.
Cal missed a few conversions (a couple were a bit of a surprise), and the exchanges between outside center and wing weren't always as crisp as you might like. The Bears have improved in the lineouts, and forward crashes into the "Lopes pack generally showed how fit Cal is. The Bears played most of the match on the GCU side of the field and prevented the 'Lopes from establishing any sort of consistent offense.
GCU is a young program, only in its 10th year. Over 70% of its roster is freshmen and sophomores. So to be ranked at #14 is testimony to Sean O'Leary's coaching ability and the school's ability to attract both nationally and internationally. Only 4 players on the GCU roster are from Arizona. They have young players from Uganda, England and another country or two. And they will continue to improve and in a year or two will be even more formidable. They are also big! But Cal is more fit and conditioning means something when you're playing an 80 minute game. (By the end of the Arizona game, the Wildcats looked as tired as I've seen any team playing Cal).
The Bears now play at Utah on Friday followed by an important match against Army the following weekend (also on the road).
Mark March 16th on your calendar. That is Cal's next home match against #1 Navy.
The Bears were, again, pretty workmanlike. The announcer on the stream repeatedly talked about Cal's tackling and overall defense. The Bears were pretty solid in possession, and were very reliable in defense.
Cal missed a few conversions (a couple were a bit of a surprise), and the exchanges between outside center and wing weren't always as crisp as you might like. The Bears have improved in the lineouts, and forward crashes into the "Lopes pack generally showed how fit Cal is. The Bears played most of the match on the GCU side of the field and prevented the 'Lopes from establishing any sort of consistent offense.
GCU is a young program, only in its 10th year. Over 70% of its roster is freshmen and sophomores. So to be ranked at #14 is testimony to Sean O'Leary's coaching ability and the school's ability to attract both nationally and internationally. Only 4 players on the GCU roster are from Arizona. They have young players from Uganda, England and another country or two. And they will continue to improve and in a year or two will be even more formidable. They are also big! But Cal is more fit and conditioning means something when you're playing an 80 minute game. (By the end of the Arizona game, the Wildcats looked as tired as I've seen any team playing Cal).
The Bears now play at Utah on Friday followed by an important match against Army the following weekend (also on the road).
Mark March 16th on your calendar. That is Cal's next home match against #1 Navy.
