Cal rugby shut out UCLA 21-0 on Day Two of the Dennis Storer Classic to top the tournament for the 18th consecutive year.
The Golden Bears victory followed on Day One victories over UC San Diego (94-0) and Cal Poly (33-7).
“First, we want to thank UCLA for their hosting of the tournament,” said Cal Head Coach Jack Clark. “We also appreciate the game that the Bruins delivered today, as well as that of Cal Poly and UCSD. In general it was fun to play again. Rugby is fun, competing is fun and being together is fun. And it was a pretty solid start. It’s about building from here.”
The Bears struck first in the contest on Sunday afternoon to secure an advantage they would never give up. Cal worked its way into UCLA territory and won an attacking lineout to set up a strong maul. A few phases later, Caleb Tomasin caught the ball on the wing and carried it in. Kealan O’Connell converted to make it 7-0 in favor of the Bears.
Over the next few minutes, Cal’s defense held UCLA deep in Bruin territory. With their backs pushed against their own tryline, UCLA attempted to swing the ball out to their left wing, but Max Threlkeld intercepted the pass and raced in to make it 12-0. O’Connell converted and Cal led 14-0, a lead they would hold into halftime.
