By Samantha Thompson
City on a Hill Press Co-Editor in Chief
The UC Santa Cruz men’s rugby team squared off against UC Berkeley last Saturday in a friendly, but fiercely physical game that saw no end to the kind of aggressive hits that made fans from both sides wince and players gasp for air.
Cal, which used a lineup comprised mostly of freshmen and sophomores, showed spectators why its team is No.1 in the nation, scoring 13 tries throughout the game. But the Division II Slugs refused to let down against the DI Golden Bears and came out stronger in the second half, scoring an unconverted try and kicking a penalty.
After the runs and tackles were over, the Slugs ultimately lost 87-8. Despite the score, the Slugs were proud of the effort they made against the Bears, who have been a dominating force in collegiate rugby for nearly 130 years. “That’s why we played them,” UCSC men’s rugby coach Robbie Bellue said, “to raise our game.”
The Slugs are currently tied for second place in their conference as they near the end of their season. They will be taking on a touring team from Pennsylvania at home on St. Patty’s Day, March 17, at 4 p.m. on the East Field.
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