Cal Maritime Wins First Pre-season Game

(Stockton, Nov 19, 2005) – On a warm sunny day, Cal Maritime defeated University of Pacific 29-17 giving the Keelhaulers their first pre-season victory. With both teams set to meet in the opening game of the season this was the first measure of Cal Maritime against a Northern California Division Two team.

Cal Maritime started strongly and controlled the ball to score two tries through Chris Rathbun, who led the scoring with 12 points in total.

University of Pacific showed some good athleticism from their backline to score three tries in the latter part of the first half to make the half time score 19-17.

During the second half Cal Maritime dominated the possession and territory with only good tackling by UOP keeping the try count down. Nevertheless, two tries were scored by the Keelhaulers in the second half.

“We started the game strongly but there was a period at the end of the first half where we seemed to lose concentration”, said Head Coach Edward Roberts. “We are improving and it is exciting to see rookie players contributing so much. Having competition for starting spots is making players practice harder and play better.”

Cal Maritime travels to play another pre-season game against Chico State on December 10, 2005.

Tries: Rathbun (2), Weir, Hirsh, Clark.
Cons: Rathbun, Housman
MVP: Kyle Hirsh