Cal Maritime Slug It Out Against UC Santa Cruz

(Vallejo, March 10, 2007) – In a thrilling game of rugby, the Cal Maritime rugby team scored four tries to secure a bonus point but failed to earn the victory against UC Santa Cruz eventually going down by a score of 36-28.

Cal Maritime raised the level of their performance to control field position and possession for the majority of the game. The forwards maintained possession for long periods and opened the scoring when Bobby Rather touched down after a fine drive from a lineout.  Rufus Walker converted the try with the first of his four conversions in an perfect kicking display.

David VanderHoek scored his first league try for the Keelahulers but Santa Cruz responded strongly to close the first half with a narrow half time lead.

Bobby Rather scored his second try following another powerful drive from the forwards before Kyle Hirsh scored a brilliant try under the posts. Following strong build up work by the Keelhauler forwards, the ball moved out to the backs and Hirsh beat three defenders to score.

Cal Maritime crossed the Santa Cruz line twice during the last quarter of the game but both times were held up from touching the ball down by desperate Santa Cruz defense.

“We played some good rugby today, unfortunately we lost concentration to let them back in the game”, said coach Keelhauler Edward Roberts. “This is a young team and we are learning our rugby the hard way. As these players gain more rugby experience in the years to come, the results will go our way. Our performance today had moments of power and purpose.”

The result takes Cal Maritime to 2-2 for the season.

Cal Maritime’s next game is on March 16 when they host Santa Rosa JC.

Cal Maritime
Tries: Rather (2), Hirsh, VanderHoek
Cons: Walker 4