Feb. 17, 1997

Cal Rugby Sweeps the Desert; Bears Down Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. - Cal's Varsity rugby team completed its desert sweep Monday afternoon, defeating the University of Arizona 26-3.

The Bears had to battle against the Wildcats in stark contrast to their blow out win against ASU two days earlier. The previously undefeated Arizona squad held Cal to just one try in the first period. Fly half Dave Stroble scored about 20 minutes into the game, but ASU answered immediately with a penalty.

The Bears held only that slim lead well into the second half, before gradually pulling away from the Wildcats with three more tries. Cal prop Ted Callagy admired Arizona's strong start. "They came out hard," he said "and we had to work to put them away."

Cal coach Jack Clark said that both squads are likely to win their conferences and head to the national championships so a work out for both teams was exactly the purpose of the non-conference match. "It is early in the season and we were very happy to have the competition," he said, hoping the match will help prepare the Bears for a tough rugby week ahead.

The Bears host two international games in five days, playing the University of Victoria on Wednesday at 3.00 p.m. and the University of British Columbia on Sunday at 1.00 p.m.

The Bears' second team also won against both ASU and Arizona over the weekend.

Cal      7   19  =  26
vs.
Arizona  3    0  =  3
Scoring: First Half -D. Stroble Try (5) K. Dalzell Conversion (2) 23.00; U of A Penalty Kick (3) 26.00. Second Half -S. Yungling Try (5) K. Dalzell Conversion (2) 18.00; K. Khasigian Try (5) 21.00; D. McElroy Try (5) K. Dalzell Conversion (2) 33.00.
Cal Record: 6-0