Dec. 8, 2011

LONDON - Derek Asbun started and Jason Law joined the fray as a reserve for Oxford University Thursday at Twickenham national stadium in front of a crowd of 27,255 as the 2011 California co-captains became the fourth and fifth former Golden Bears to earn a Varsity Blue and Oxford defeated Cambridge, 28-10, in their 130th meeting.

"It was an all-around team effort," said Asbun, who was listed as a candidate for Man of the Match by the Sky 1 TV broadcast team. "All we wanted to do was come through."

Jason Law also earned a Varsity Blue for his appearance vs. Cambridge.

Asbun and Law join former Bears and U.S. internationals Gary Hein, Don James Jr. and Ray Lehner in the select group to have played in the series as postgraduates. Asbun started as a flanker and Law provided vital support to the forwards as a blood-substitute after Oxford captain John Carter was forced off the pitch with an injury during the first half.

Today's performance by these Rugby Bears brings the Cal alumni presence in the revered Oxford-Cambridge rivalry to nine matches by five players in its history.

Asbun is studying for a postgraduate degree in Urban Studies at Oxford while Law pursues a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Urban Development.

The rugby program at Oxford was founded in 1869, 13 years before Cal began its team. Cambridge continues to lead the all-time series against Oxford in the Varsity Match, 61-55-14.

The 130th year of Cal rugby kicks off in January.