Cal Rugby made an important statement today, defeating #1 ranked Navy 47-24.
The intensity of Cal's performance was at it's highest level. Both sides made bruising tackles....BRUISING tackles! Ball carriers, for both teams, ran hard, and ran into some hard tackles. When it really counted, the Cal forwards really took it to Navy, especially late in the game when Navy began to show some possible slight (and I mean slight) physical fatigue. One especially strong scrum led to Cal's final score of the day. I don't know how many lineouts Cal won or lost, but there was some really good activity by the Bears in all phases of the forward play today.
The physicality of the game was evidenced by the scary injury to Max Threlkeld of Cal. I didn't see what happened to him individually (I will watch the replay tomorrow), but Max went down in the first half, and for several minutes lay motionless on the pitch. Having observed Robert Taylor's paralyzing injury a few years back in the national championship, I think everyone in the stadium was holding their breath for a few minutes while medical teams did what was needed to be done to stabilize Max before the stretcher came out and he was wheeled off the field. The jam packed Witter was silent while we all tried to figure out what had happened and what was going on. I'm happy to say I did see Max show some movement as he was wheeled off, but I do not know the extent of his injury as of this moment. I'm just thankful to God there was movement to be seen because for what seemed like an eternity, I and those around me couldn't see any movement.
Cal runners did a good job of finding gaps in the Navy defense when they needed them. And there were a couple of particularly nice pieces of ball distribution by the Bears leading to tries. One especially sweet piece of ball distribution took place with about 18 minutes to go. Bears were working the ball to the outside when a quick pass back inside led to another Cal score. Oh, it was a great read, beautifully executed!
I can not wait to watch this one on the replay.
Some other good rugby news: The first match of the day was a reserve grade match between Cal and St. Marys. Cal won that match 73-29. And man, there was some IMPRESSIVE speed shown by Bear backs in that match.
A nice couple of other things of note: Some of Cal's championship teams were recognized in half time ceremonies. Coach Billups was also acknowledged for his 25 years of being on the Cal staff. And it was great to have the Straw Hat band on hand. They were terrific, and added to the spirit of the full house with their playing and enthusiasm. Navy brought a lot of fans as well. The Witter parking lot was plenty full with Blue and Gold from both sides!
Next Saturday Cal has another crucial match against St. Marys, this time in Moraga. Last I heard, St. Marys was ahead of #7 BYU but I've been unable to find a final score. Prior to today's match, St. Marys was ranked #3 and Cal #9. So both teams will go into next week's match with a few residual black and blue spots, and a whole lot on the line!
The intensity of Cal's performance was at it's highest level. Both sides made bruising tackles....BRUISING tackles! Ball carriers, for both teams, ran hard, and ran into some hard tackles. When it really counted, the Cal forwards really took it to Navy, especially late in the game when Navy began to show some possible slight (and I mean slight) physical fatigue. One especially strong scrum led to Cal's final score of the day. I don't know how many lineouts Cal won or lost, but there was some really good activity by the Bears in all phases of the forward play today.
The physicality of the game was evidenced by the scary injury to Max Threlkeld of Cal. I didn't see what happened to him individually (I will watch the replay tomorrow), but Max went down in the first half, and for several minutes lay motionless on the pitch. Having observed Robert Taylor's paralyzing injury a few years back in the national championship, I think everyone in the stadium was holding their breath for a few minutes while medical teams did what was needed to be done to stabilize Max before the stretcher came out and he was wheeled off the field. The jam packed Witter was silent while we all tried to figure out what had happened and what was going on. I'm happy to say I did see Max show some movement as he was wheeled off, but I do not know the extent of his injury as of this moment. I'm just thankful to God there was movement to be seen because for what seemed like an eternity, I and those around me couldn't see any movement.
Cal runners did a good job of finding gaps in the Navy defense when they needed them. And there were a couple of particularly nice pieces of ball distribution by the Bears leading to tries. One especially sweet piece of ball distribution took place with about 18 minutes to go. Bears were working the ball to the outside when a quick pass back inside led to another Cal score. Oh, it was a great read, beautifully executed!
I can not wait to watch this one on the replay.
Some other good rugby news: The first match of the day was a reserve grade match between Cal and St. Marys. Cal won that match 73-29. And man, there was some IMPRESSIVE speed shown by Bear backs in that match.
A nice couple of other things of note: Some of Cal's championship teams were recognized in half time ceremonies. Coach Billups was also acknowledged for his 25 years of being on the Cal staff. And it was great to have the Straw Hat band on hand. They were terrific, and added to the spirit of the full house with their playing and enthusiasm. Navy brought a lot of fans as well. The Witter parking lot was plenty full with Blue and Gold from both sides!
Next Saturday Cal has another crucial match against St. Marys, this time in Moraga. Last I heard, St. Marys was ahead of #7 BYU but I've been unable to find a final score. Prior to today's match, St. Marys was ranked #3 and Cal #9. So both teams will go into next week's match with a few residual black and blue spots, and a whole lot on the line!
