Cal Maritime defeats Santa Clara in First League Game

(Vallejo, January 20, 2007) – Cal Maritime scored six tries to defeat Santa Clara by a score of 32-15 in the first league game of the season. In bright and sunny conditions, Santa Clara started the game strongly with an excellent early try and a penalty to take a 10-0 lead.

The Keelhaulers forwards started to win possession and a good lineout led to Bobby Rather scoring a powerful try. Senior wing John Skoda scored the second try in the corner following a strong scrum and deft passing from Rufus Walker and David Van Der Hoek.

With the scores tied 10-10 at half time, the game was finely balanced.

“We did well to come back from the early deficit,” said coach Keelhauler Edward Roberts. “Santa Clara was certainly organized and athletic.”

Rufus Walker scored the first of his two tries after the break from a well executed set piece. Senior Michael Schindler scored to extend the lead, but Santa Clara didn’t give up and scored a second try.

Late in the game, Kirk Mueller scored an excellent long range try to seal the victory for Cal Maritime.

“We had to endure some strong pressure from Santa Clara, but we were much more accurate with the ball and the performance was a big improvement”, said coach Roberts. “We still have much to work on but this was a step in the right direction.”

Cal Maritime’s next game is the first ever alumni game on Feb 3.

Tries: Rather, Skoda, Walker (2), Schindler, Mueller
Cons: Walker.