Cal Maritime Defeats Santa Rosa JC for First Time

(Vallejo, March 17, 2007) – Under the Friday night lights, Cal Maritime produced a powerful performance to defeat local rivals Santa Rosa JC for the first time ever by a score of 41-29.

The Keelhaulers started the last home game of the season with purposeful and cohesive rugby
and took a lead of 20-0 after just 20 minutes and scored six tries on their way to the victory.

Kyle Hirsh opened the scoring with a 30 yard run which was converted by Rufus Walker.

Wing John Skoda showed good counter attack instincts to return a kick and move the ball
across the field before looping across the field to receive the scoring pass on the opposite wing.

The third try was scored following a scrum where Cal Maritime attacked the short side and flanker Bobby Rather was on hand to receive the scoring pass. Rufus Walker converted again and kicked a penalty.

Santa Rosa JC responded with a converted try to make the score 20-7 at the half time break.

Captain Mike Schindler scored from close range to extend Cal Maritime’s lead with Walker again making the conversion.

The second half became a thrilling try scoring affair.  John Skoda scored the try of the night
when good handling led to him showing good acceleration to beat the Santa Rosa defense.

Bobby Rather also scored his second try of the night following a driving maul.

“This was our best performance of the year against one of the best teams in our league”, said coach Keelhauler Edward Roberts. “We started strongly and scored some quality tries. We
had a little wobble in the second half and had to absorb some pressure but we kept our heads and it was great to see the players - particularly the seniors - so proud to have finally beaten Santa Rosa JC.”

The result takes Cal Maritime to 3-2 for the season.

Cal Maritime’s next game is on March 24 when they travel to Santa Jose State.

Cal Maritime
Tries: Hirsh, Skoda (2), Rather (2), Schindler
Cons: Walker (4)
Pens: Walker