Cal held off a comeback from University of British Columbia to win the first leg of the teams' annual two-game series.

This is the 99th year of the rivalry, and Cal ended up with a pretty impressive 36-21 lead going into the second game.

"It was a brave performance from our boys," said Cal Head Coach Jack Clark. "I admire the resolve they displayed. It's a performance in which we can build. Next step is a different starting XV getting an opportunity to represent us on the return leg. We are committed to spreading these starting minutes within the whole of the team."
 
The Bears got on the board first with a try from senior inside center Keanu Andrade and a conversion from freshman fullback Max Schumacher in the 10th minute. However, UBC returned the favor with a try of their own at the 14-minute mark.

But from there Cal took control. Andrade scored again, and Schumacher converted that one too before adding a penalty goal and then a try of his own. Tighthead prop Damon Wiley also went over and Cal led by as much as 31-7.

They might have made it more had the Bears knocked on what seemed a sure try.

UBC wouldn't go away, though, and battled to score in the 60th and 64th minutes, both thanks to Joe Sourisseau. Cal iced it with a try from senior lock Sebastian Bader with four minutes to play.
 
"We had good intensity coming into the game today," said Schumacher. "We finished our tries and managed the ball well in their own 22. We started to lose a bit of shape within the last 20 minutes of the game, but we continued to build the pressure again which helped us finish the game."

"We knew today was going to be a tough and physical game," added captain Thomas Spradling. "Our game plan was to move the ball and play quickly which led to some early tries and gave us the front foot. Playing the Thunderbirds is a great tradition which is not only relatable to us, but all of the guys who played before us."
 
Cal will get another look at British Columbia next weekend when the Bears head to Vancouver, Canada for the final leg of the World Cup Series with a match at UBC on Sunday, March 1. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. PT. at Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre, on campus at UBC.
 
Cal 36
Tries: Andrade 2, Schumacher, Wiley, Bader
Convs: Schumacher 4
Pens: Schumacher

UBC 21
Tries: Maxwell, Sourisseau 2
Convs: Radcliffe 3