Game Reports

March 5, 2005 - Cal Maritime 10 v UC Santa Cruz 5
While it may have been sunny, the field was a mud bath. Even though the field
conditions were poor both teams attempted to play rugby, with fewer dropped
balls than expected. Adrian Kearns scored a memorable try and Cal Maritime
played good cohesive team rugby. Santa Cruz responded with a well taken try
in the second half. Obviously the game was a forwards contest but good
consistent play from both teams developed into a dramatic battle for field
position and possession. The game was a credit to both teams. Unfortunately
the gloss of a hard earned victory was taken by a serious ankle injury to Andrew
Spoonemore, who thankfully, is on the road to repair.
*MVP - Adrian Kearns

Referee Report (www.pelicanrefs.com)
UC Santa Cruz 5 – CAL MARITIME ACADEMY 10
Referee: Steve Hawker
     A late change of venue meant a drive north instead of a drive over the Santa
Cruz mountains to the coast. Despite the sunshine, the Cal Maritime pitch was
sodden with a fair few puddles just to make things interesting. With both sides
well in contention for the play-offs, the Keelhaulers’ pre-match challenge added
an extra dimension to this contest. As was expected, the slippery ball meant a
few scrums and a mostly forwards dominated battle. For most of the first half it
was an even contest with neither side on top. But in the last few minutes of the
half, the home side got their pick-up-and-drive working and moved well up-
field, scoring the first try almost under the posts. The conversion signaled the
end of the half.
     After the break, the Academy slotted right back into gear and pushed their
advantage home with a penalty when the Slugs strayed offside. Down 10-0, the
visitors were spurred into action and eventually brought themselves right back
into the game with an unconverted try. Deep into injury time (the Keelhaulers
had lost inside centre Andrew Spoonemore with a bad ankle injury), the hosts
were inches from securing victory when the Slugs mounted a Barbarians-style
attack. But a foot in touch was all it took to end a match which was very closely
fought, and won by the side whose forward drives were the most cohesive.