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Around D1A: Five Games and Five Stories

irish rugby tours

Around D1A: Five Games and Five Stories

Photo UC Davis Men's Rugby.

While there were only five DIA games on the slate this week, they all had a lot to say about where teams are in the competition.

Cal looked very impressive in defeating Central Washington 48-19 on Friday night. More on the game here>>

Saint Mary's put 60 on BYU in winning 60-29. More on the game here>>

In conference play, Arkansas State edged Davenport 24-22 to earn the Red Wolves' first victory of the conference season. Davenport lost their second razor-thin game in the Mid-South and will have to be content with a close loss bonus point.

Latest Mid-South Standings:

Mid-South Standings W L T PF PA PD BT BL PTS
Lindenwood 4 0 0 109 36 73 2 0 18
Life 4 1 0 122 73 49 1 0 17
Arkansas State 1 4 0 52 114 -62 0 1 5
Davenport 0 4 0 60 119 -59 0 2 2

In the California Conference, UC Davis pulled in a massive win, beating Santa Clara 63-32. Davis has been working its way slowly back into the rugby playing world, and with Santa Clara committing way, way too many penalties, the big, powerful, direct-running Aggies led by over 30 at halftime and cruised.

It was a frustrating day for Santa Clara, but for Davis it was important if only to get the squad a win.

"We had some guys back from injuries," said Head Coach Andy Malpass, who added that the competitiveness of the conference, along with the supportive environment among the coaches, has helped teams like Davis, who were struggling, to get better.

"All the coaches and programs are doing their best," said Malpass. "We have a very collaborative coaching community in the California Conference supporting the game and helping each other improve."

Captain and lock Sam Eddins and center Aiden Moore led the Davis effort.

Cal Poly, meanwhile, put in a good effort against UC Santa Barbara, winning 53-17 and improving to 3-2. 

 

California Conference W L T PF PA PD BT BL PTS
Grand Canyon 4 1 0 173 147 26 4 0 20
Cal Poly 3 2 0 237 153 84 4 1 17
Saint Mary's 3 0 0 204 29 175 3 0 15
Santa Clara 2 4 0 172 321 -149 4 0 12
UC Santa Barbara 1 3 0 96 146 -50 2 0 6
UC Davis 1 3 0 112 198 -86 1 0 5
San Diego State 0 1 0 25 26 -1 1 1 2