Cal Outlasts Men’s Rugby in Varsity Cup Quarters

Saturday, April 16

West Point, N.Y.

3 PM

Army West Point

Cal

Cal Outlasts Men’s Rugby in Varsity Cup Quarters

April 16, 2016 | Men's Rugby

WEST POINT, N.Y. – A 21-point swing in favor of the visiting Cal Golden Bears lifted the second-ranked men's rugby program in the nation over the 11th-ranked Army West Point Black Knights by the score of 41-29 on Saturday afternoon at Anderson Rugby Complex.

"I was really proud of our effort today," said head coach Matt Sherman. "I think we had a good performance from the standpoint of our energy, how we ran the field and our physicality. Equally as such, I was so proud of how composed we were. This year. We've let our emotions get the best of us at times, but I thought today we had a really nice balance. This performance is one that I'm as proud of as I've ever been as a coach."

The Black Knights found a way to pound the ball into the try zone in the seventh minute as Andrew Irwin dotted down for the opening score. Senior Andrew Borer added the conversion to make the score 7-0 early on in the match.

A try line stand that lasted more than four minutes kept the score in favor of Army for the time being, but the second-ranked Golden Bears would finally breakthrough in the 18th minute as Russell Webb powered his way in to allow Harry Adolphus to knot the game.

Over a 10-minute span between the 23rd and 33rd minutes, Army would capitalize on its offensive opportunities after getting deep in Cal's zone. Joseph Dlugosch found his way over the try line to break the tie, before Andrew Yoon capitalized on a long-distance strike after Jake Lackina broke through the Golden Bears' defense. Mitchell Sanderson capped a 15-0 run for the Cadets, who led 22-7.

Nic Mirhashem ended Army's streak in the 36th minute as Cal would start its own three-score run that lasted to the 43rd minute with the Golden Bears taking their first lead of the match.

From there, a dogfight would ensue throughout the remaining 37 minutes. Borer, who was named the AAA Athlete of the Week following his program-record 30 points against Oklahoma last weekend, dotted down to push the Black Knights back in front, 29-28. Despite getting within the five meter mark a couple more times, Army was never able to add that final push.

The Golden Bears added a couple of tries in the final 20 minutes and capped the scoring with a penalty kick in the final minute.

"This is the closest group I've ever been around," Sherman commented. "They care for each other and push each other and are really a true brotherhood. They make each other better, and they make me better as well."

Army concludes its season at 9-5 and will compete in the 7s Collegiate Rugby Championships at Talen Energy Stadium in Philadelphia on June 4-5, which will be televised on NBC Sports Network.

For more information on Army West Point men's rugby, visit GoArmyWestPoint.com and follow @ArmyWP_MRugby on Twitter.

SCORING SUMMARY
7th minute: Andrew Irwin Try, Andrew Borer Conversion (7-0 Army)
18th minute: Russell Webb Try, Harry Adolphus Conversion (7-7 tied)
23rd minute: Joseph Dlugosch Try (12-7 Army)
27th minute: Andrew Yoon Try (17-7 Army)
33rd minute: Mitchell Sanderson Try (22-7 Army)
36th minute: Nic Mirhashem Try, Harry Adolphus Conversion (22-14 Army)
40th minute: Russell Webb Try, Russell Web Conversion (22-21 Army)
43rd minute: Harry Adolphus Try, Harry Adolphus Conversion (28-21 Cal)
52nd minute: Andrew Borer Try, Andrew Borer Conversion (29-28 Army)
63rd minute: Connor Sweet Try (33-29 Cal)
71st minute: Nick Salaber Try (38-29 Cal)
80th minute: Harry Adolphus Penalty Kick (41-29 Cal)