Cal Maritime Rugby Defeats Western Oregon University

The California Maritime Academy rugby team defeated the Western Oregon University (WOR) Friday night 36 - 19 in a pre-season match for both schools. The win improves the Keelhaulers pre-season record to 3 wins and 3 losses. The Keelhaulers' Colby Grobschmit opened the scoring with a try and Rufus Walker made the conversion. Colby would show determined running again and score another try in the second half. Paul Stetson ran 40 yards to add another try in the corner for a 12-0 lead. Mickey Hawke scored a third CMA try in the corner which was beautifully converted by Rufus Walker. WOR scored 2 tries to keep the score close. At the half, CMA led 19 - 12.

The second half started much like the first, with the Keelhaulers starting off strong. Colby Grobschmit's try was followed by tries from Kevin Hawke and Mickey Hawke, his second of the night. Despite long periods of ball possession, WOR managed only one score during the second half resulting in a 36 - 19 victory for Cal Maritime. CMA Coach Steve Hiatt said "Strong competition from WOR helps push us and test us. Although we won this tough game, we know we need to improve in many areas as we head into conference play."

The "B" side won 19 - 0 over the visiting SF Fog Rugby Club, a men's club from San Francisco. Jason Herring, John Hedrick, and Sylvan Gallawa all scored tries for the Keelhaulers. Wyatt Ernst converted the first two tries.

CMA's next game is at Fresno State University (CSU) on Saturday, January 29. It will be the Keelhaulers first conference game. Kick-off is at 1:00.