Cal Stuns No. 1 Navy in Rugby Showdown
BERKELEY, CA – The Cal Golden Bears pulled off a dramatic 52-45 victory over top-ranked Navy in a thrilling rugby match Saturday at Witter Field. Cal overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half, scoring the final 14 points of the game to secure the win. Navy’s Avion Ganse scored three tries, giving the Midshipmen a 45-38 lead with 16 minutes remaining, but Cal responded with tries from Masi Koi and Oliver Teague. Despite a late missed penalty kick, the Bears held on to defeat Navy, who came into the game ranked No. 1 by both the College Rugby Association of America and the Goff Rugby Report. Cal, the defending national champion, remains undefeated and may move to the No. 1 ranking in upcoming polls. The Bears will continue their spring schedule with road matches against Army and Saint Mary’s.
Cal Rugby Stuns No. 1 Navy in Thrilling 52-45 Victory
Cal’s rugby team delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, overcoming a seven-point deficit to defeat the top-ranked Navy Midshipmen 52-45 in a captivating match at a sold-out Witter Field in Berkeley. This victory solidifies Cal’s position as a dominant force in college rugby and potentially propels them to the No. 1 ranking.
A Game of Shifting Momentum
Navy initially seized control, building a 24-14 lead after a strong offensive push. Although, Cal responded with resilience, narrowing the gap before halftime with a try by Michal de Beer. The first half concluded with Navy leading 31-21 after Andrew Baublitz’s late try.
The second half witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with Cal taking a 33-31 lead early on. Avion Ganse emerged as a key player for Navy, scoring his third try of the game to set the Midshipmen ahead 45-38 with just 16 minutes remaining.
Cal’s Dramatic Comeback
Cal refused to yield, igniting a remarkable comeback. Masi Koi scored a crucial try, followed by a successful conversion by Rand Santos, tying the game at 45-45. Despite Santos receiving a red card for a high tackle, giving Navy an advantage, Cal persevered.
Oliver Teague’s late try, coupled with Koi’s conversion, secured a 52-45 lead for the Bears with only five minutes left on the clock. A missed penalty kick by Koi with 1:30 remaining added a layer of suspense, but Cal maintained control to secure the hard-fought victory.
Rankings and Rivalry Context
Cal, the defending national champion in rugby 15s, remains undefeated this season. Recent rankings have varied, with the College Rugby Association of America listing Navy at No. 1 and Cal at No. 4 as of February 6. However, the Goff Rugby Report currently ranks Navy No. 1 and Cal No. 2, while RugbyHawk places Cal at the top spot and Navy at No. 2.
The match highlighted a classic contrast in styles: Navy’s power and precision against Cal’s speed and finesse. Cal’s early 14-0 lead, thanks to tries from Oliver Newall and Nate Comiskey, demonstrated their attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead for the Bears
Cal will continue its spring rugby 15 schedule with upcoming road matches against Army next Saturday and a final regular-season game against East Bay rival Saint Mary’s on March 28 in Moraga. The Bears will then begin their defense of the 2025 national championships on April 11.
Saturday’s game also served as a celebration of Cal’s rich rugby history, honoring past national 15s champions from 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016, as well as the 2016 national sevens championship team.
Did you recognize? Avion Ganse, Navy’s standout player, has an impressive rugby background, having competed internationally in Dubai, England, Australia, and Ireland.
Pro Tip: Successful rugby teams often prioritize versatility in their players. The ability to switch positions and adapt to different game situations is a key factor in achieving consistent success.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of this win for Cal?
A: This win is significant as it demonstrates Cal’s ability to overcome adversity and defeat the top-ranked team in the nation, potentially moving them to the No. 1 ranking.
Q: Who scored the game-winning try for Cal?
A: Oliver Teague scored the game-winning try for Cal with five minutes remaining.
Q: What is Avion Ganse’s background?
A: Avion Ganse has played rugby for over 12 years and has competed internationally in multiple countries, including Dubai, England, Australia, and Ireland.
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