Cal Maritime Works Hard Against Chico State
(Chico,
Dec 10, 2005) – Chico State hosted Cal Maritime in
two entertaining and high scoring games on Saturday
afternoon. The pre-season games allowed both teams
to experiment with new combinations as they prepare
for the season to begin in January.
Game 1 -
The 50-17 score-line favored Chico, but the three
tries scored by Cal Maritime showed a great deal of
promise.
The first
try stemmed from a multi phase passage of play with
forwards and backs combining for wing Steve Kuzmanik
to score his first try for the Keelhaulers. Rookie
Kyle Hirsh capped another strong display to score
his second try in two games while hooker John Skoda
also scored during the second half.
“We
clearly have some work to do on our defense and in
protecting the ball”, said Head Coach Edward
Roberts. “But it is encouraging that we scored three
good tries and are starting to see players
understanding their role in the team.”
Tries:
Kuzmanik, Hirsh, Skoda
Cons: Housman
MVP: Jenkins
Game 2 –
The final score of 50-31 to Chico hides the comeback
mounted by the Keelhaulers during the second half.
With ten minutes to go, Cal Maritime fought their
way back to 33-31 before Chico finished the game
with a flourish.
The
opening try came from a strong 50 meter run from
rookie wing Frank Busalacchi. Number 8 Vince
Bryant-Teasdale and prop Daisuke Omi-Freeman also
scored their first tries for the Keelhaulers. Hooker
Joel Bruce showed quick thinking to quick tap a
penalty to score his first try of the year. The
other try was scored by scrum half David ‘Kris’
Kopra who had a lively and decisive game.
“We’re
still evaluating our squad and I am pleased that so
many players are demonstrating good skills on the
field and ensuring selections for the first XV are
very competitive”, said Head Coach Edward Roberts.
“We still have one more pre-season game before we
open our season”.
Cal
Maritime travels to play their final pre-season game
against UC Berkeley Freshmen XV on January 14, 2006.
Tries:
Busalacchi, Bruce, Kopra, Bryant-Teasdale,
Omi-Freeman
Cons: Piper (3)
MVP: Kopra
