On a weekend of dramatic finishes in D1A Rugby, Cal vs Saint Mary's didn't disappoint, giving fans at Witter Rugby Field a treat as the Cal Bears edged the Gaels 48-45.
This win most probably secured the #1 seed in the West bracket of the D1A playoffs for Cal, ensuring they will play at home through the semifinals.
The game was back-and-forth and showcased some of the most entertaining tries in the game.
Cal scored off a penalty early-on—not that they kicked for posts … no one was going to pass up a chance at seven in this game.
On this penalty they took the lineout and quickly worked it to Rand Santos for the try.
Saint Mary’s came back, exploiting a penalty on their own terms and taking the lineout. They formed a maul but didn’t drive, and instead sent prop John Wilson around to take the ball around and up and over. Soon thereafter Cal infringed again and Saint Mary’s played it quick, finally seeing King Matu pick up and dive over.
After that Saint Mary’s seemed to take control. Off a scrum the Gaels worked it wide and Dom Besage linked with Tatum Pappas and he sent a wide pass to Iosefa Toia’ivao Sia Ofa, who finished brilliantly, breaking tackles and showing some acceleration.
That made it 19-5 for Saint Mary’s.
Cal scored almost immediately after, with Cade Crist powering over, and then a special moment as scrumhalf Solomon Williams broke down the sideline and kicked ahead for Masi Koi, who chased the ball down to score.
Now it was 19-17 and we had quite the ballgame on our hands. Both teams hit hard on defense but the skill execution, especially catch-pass, was overall very good from these teams and that helped it be a high-scoring affair. Cal took the lead after a high chip from flyhalf Rand Santos was chased down by prop Charlie Walsh. The Bears rucked over and then spun it wide. Santos curved around to get the ball and sent it to center Max Threlkeld, and he charged through.
Having lost that 14-point lead, Saint Mary’s was able to rebound. The Gaels caught a box kick from Williams and sent it to Besag, who just decided to take off. From about 55 meters the capped Eagle shoved away tacklers and thundered on to score in the corner. Tie game 24-24, and halftime.
The second half started with a yellow card for Saint Mary’s and penalty trouble opened up the door for the Bears. Another penalty and Williams quick-tapped before spinning it to Threlkeld for another try. Williams, who had a superb game, then scampered over for a try of his own. Santos was unable to convert either try so Saint Mary's was very much still in it at 34-24.
Saint Mary’s marched their way down to the tryline with Iosefa Toia’ivao, Sia Ofa, and Sione Ofa causing Cal some real problems. The Bears defended their line, however, holding Cathal Coakley up in-goal.
But that was just a reprieve. Saint Mary’s countered off the goalline dropout and found Toia’ivao, who got them close before King Matu was over. Conversion by Ollie Cline was good and it was 34-31 for Cal.
