Feb. 23, 1997

Rugby Falls to British Columbia 35-25

BERKELEY, Calif. -- In a see-saw rugby match Sunday, Cal's Varsity team could see a victory coming at half-time, and then saw it vanish in the second half when the University of British Columbia scored 29 unanswered points to win 35-25 at Witter Field.

The Bears led 25-6 at the break thanks in part to a strong wind at their backs which helped keep the Thunderbirds pinned near their goal line. Cal captain and fly half Kevin Dalzell knew the wind would be a factor working against his team in the second period but was optimistic at the half.

"We felt that our points hadn't come from our kicking game. We were confident that we could add to our tally. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it happen."

The Bears scored three tries in the first half with winger Ryan Fried, lock Sam Enochian and fullback Katsu Takei all crossing the line while Dalzell added two conversions and two penalties.

However, that was Cal's last cause for celebration. With the wind behind them, the British Columbia team not only racked up three tries and four penalty kicks in the second half, it also shut-out the Bears by forcing turnovers and maintaining defensive discipline.

Dalzell said at the very least the game was good experience for the Bears. "We've now played a game where the elements are a factor, where there is something different and you have to adapt."

Cal came into the match confident after a narrow loss to Canadian powerhouse University of Victoria earlier in the week and coach Jack Clark was disappointed to be denied again. "The team is talented to a man, but underachieving," said Clark who hopes to lead Cal to a seventh consecutive national championship this season.

The Bears next see action Saturday, March 1 when they host Chico State at 1.00pm.

Cal	25 0 = 25
vs.
British Columbia 6 29 = 35
Scoring: First Half -K. Dalzell Penalty Kick (3) 5.17; R. Fried Try (5) K.
Dalzell Conversion (2) 9.45; British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 15.16; S.
Enochian Try (5) 19.58; D. Stroble Try (5) K. Dalzell Conversion (2) 26.42;
British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 33.48; K. Dalzell Penalty Kick (3) 40.00.
Second Half - British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 1.50; British Columbia Try (5)
8.28; British Columbia Try (5) 19.36; British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 22.56;
British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 27.46; British Columbia Penalty Try (5)
Conversion (2); British Columbia Penalty Kick (3) 40.00.
Cal Record: 6-2