BERKELEY – California rugby is set to host Arizona for a midday contest Saturday in Berkeley, its third match in a six-fixture homestand. The Golden Bears and Wildcats will kick off at Noon PT at Witter Rugby Field with a reserve-grade contest set to immediately follow.
 
Arizona visits Strawberry Canyon with a 5-2 record in XVs action during the 2024-25 season. The Wildcats collected wins over UTEP (113-0), New Mexico (74-7), Arizona State (62-21) Colorado State (45-7) and San Diego (50-17) last fall. The 'Cats fell to Mount Saint Mary's (45-20) in December and, most recently, took a narrow 12-10 loss to Saint Mary's on Jan. 18.
 
Cal and Arizona last met on Feb. 17, 2024, in Tucson where the Bears bested the 'Cats 85-10. Cal scored 13 tries by 10 different players – including 2024-25 returners Oliver Newall, Solomon Williams, Hugo Schreuder, Joe Kirsten and Dom Paga – and Kealan O'Connell went 10-for-13 on the extras to lift the Bears to victory.
 
The 'Cats last made the trip to Berkeley on Feb. 25, 2023. Cal claimed a 36-17 victory over Arizona, scoring six tries by five different players, including then-freshman Max Threlkeld who was the only Cal underclassman to add to the scoresheet in the contest.
 
Last time out, the Bears secured a pair of victories during a home-opening doubleheader in Berkeley last Saturday. Cal shut out both Utah Valley and UC Santa Cruz with the Bears scoring a combined 38 tries in the contests.
 
Cal's first 15 against Arizona is expected to be an experienced side, once again led by fifth-year powerhouses Charlie Walsh and Tom Dixon and senior Hugo Schreuder in the forward pack. In the backs, juniors Williams, Rand Santos and Threlkeld are likely to take the lead on directing the Bears' attack. Fellow junior Newall is also likely to retain his position as the fullback after starting in the No. 15 jersey against both Cal Poly and UCSC.
 
Gates will open at 11 a.m. for fan entry. Tickets to the match can be purchased online in advance here, and those unable to attend in-person can watch the contest live on ESPN+.
 
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