Arizona pushed Cal 36-17 Saturday in PAC Rugby Conference action.
The result took Cal to 9-0 and to 3-0 in the conference, which the Bears have now clinched, but it was also notable for how close it was, as a Wildcat team that was beaten soundly by Cal a year ago were within a score with 20 minutes to go.
“We appreciate Arizona and wish them the best going forward,” Cal Head Coach Jack Clark said. “It was fantastic to see so many old faces this afternoon at the homecoming. Great day in Strawberry Canyon.”
Cal scrumhalf Caleb Tomasin scored first in the match, but that was answered by the Wildcats through center Charley Redknapp to tie it up 14 minutes in. Cal responded past the midpoint of the first half when freshman center Max Threlkeld ran in. Max Schumacher converted to make it 12-5. Alex Brundage added to that lead a few minutes later, but just at the stroke of halftime Arizona battled back to get their second and make it a tight game once more at 17-12—hooker Zach Barker's try making it happen.
