March 30, 2003

Vancouver, British Columbia - The Golden Bears' varsity rugby team defeated the University of British Columbia 26-12 Saturday and claimed the annual series between two of North America's best rugby programs.

Although tries from wings Eric Andersen and Cameron Bunce (two) saw Cal take a clear lead after half-time, the stakes remained high late into the game as the hosts threatened to take the 'World' Cup series on points.

"It was an unbelievable effort," said Cal head coach Jack Clark. "It was as brave a victory as I've been around. We played out of our skins for 80 minutes."

Missing several players due to injury, the Bears were on the attack against British Columbia (UBC) from the opening whistle. Bunce scored in the corner after just six minutes, finishing a mid-field break from his wing partner Andersen.

The Thunderbirds answered with good use of a turnover possession to tie the game at 5-5 after 10 minutes. But from there, the Bears were never headed. Flyhalf and captain Matt Sherman added a penalty from 25 meters out, and then reclaimed an up-and-under kick that saw Bunce score his second just before half-time.

The senior wingers swapped roles as the second period began with Bunce making a break that Andersen finished. At the three-quarter mark of the match, Sherman added another penalty and with 20 minutes to play, it was 23-5 in favor of the Bears. After Cal lost at home to UBC 30-17 earlier in the season, they needed to win by 13 points or more this weekend to retain the Cup.

The Thunderbirds came back in the 62nd minute with a converted try to make it an 11-point game at 23-12. Sherman countered with a well-taken penalty and the final minutes were played at a furious pace. With four minutes left on the clock and the Series win in mind, UBC opted for a shot at goal rather than attempting to set up a late try. The penalty attempt missed and the 'World' Cup is in Cal's trophy cabinet for another year.

Although the wings provided the finish, credit was due to the Cal forwards who bettered their UBC opponents on the day. In a free-flowing match, the Bears' pack rucked hard and low, and the loose forward combination of Andrew Armstrong, Michael Boggs and Eric Larsen equaled the efforts of the Thunderbird backrow, which is arguably the strength of the Canadian team.

Both sides were without marquee players. Cal's loosehead prop Mike MacDonald is on duty with the US National XVs Team and, similarly, UBC has a wing on duty with Canada's 7s squad. Cal is also without another four or five potential starters who have been lost to injury this year.

UBC, who currently lead the British Columbia 1st Division club competition, are historically one of Canada's best collegiate rugby programs and the annual home-and-away series with Cal has significant bragging rights to both programs. It is also an historical encounter dating back to the '30s when Vancouver's 'World' newspaper donated a cup to commemorate the contest.

Cal Scoring First Half: Cameron Bunce try, 6th minute; UBC try, 10th min.; Matt Sherman penalty kick, 29th min.; Bunce try 34th min.. Second Half: Eric Andersen try & Sherman conversion, 47th min.; Sherman pen. kick, 55th min.; UBC try & conv., 62 min.; Sherman, pen. kick, 69th min.

First Half Cal 13 UBC 5

Second Half Cal 13 UBC 7

Final Cal 26 UBC 12