The Bears completed the regular rugby season with a nice 66-35 victory over St. Marys on Saturday in Moraga.
Cal had a few defensive errors in the first half that allowed the Gaels to show their outside speed, and the Gaels had some impressive forward play that challenged the Bears throughout the match.
But Coach Clark must have had a few interesting things to say to the team during halftime and the second half was much more to our liking. The defense from the backs was more solid, the Bears seemed to have just a little more physicality in possession, and the Gaels started looking frustrated when the Bears scored a very quick try to open the half.
So here's your first round playoff matches:
Cal plays University. of San Diego
BYU vs. Cal Poly
Grand Canyon vs. Arizona (this will be a grudge match).
St. Marys vs. Colorado State
Of the above matches, the Grand Canyon and BYU games will probably produce the most entertainment. I fully expect Cal to take San Diego and for the Gaels to take Colo. State without too much stress.
The East is where the colorful first round games will be seen:
Navy vs. Mary Washington
Army vs. arkansas state (lower case intentional)
Life vs. Mt. St. Marys
Lindenwood vs. Penn State