Cal Looks For 5th Straight In Pool E
Cal Looks For 5th Straight In Pool E
Cal shouldn't have too much trouble getting out of Pool E at the Collegiate Rugby Championship against Penn State, Clemson, and Delaware on Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA.
The old story at the Collegiate Rugby Championship used to be how Cal hadn't won it.
After the tournament debuted in 2010, the mighty Golden Bears had to stand by and watch Utah and then Dartmouth (twice) claim the Pete Dawkins trophy. But since 2013, Cal has won four in a row. It's not always been easy, with three finals decided by a try or less, but the Bears won all three of those, plus a comparative runaway last year.
This year, Cal shouldn't have too much trouble getting out of Pool E against Penn State, Clemson, and Delaware on Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. It's not a walkover pool, but the Bears don't have many weak spots. Anthony Salaber leads an experience group of Cal seniors, and freshman Sam Cusano is also blossoming in sevens.
Penn Sate has some talent, too, including Joe Kelly and Shelby Niumataiwalu. Malcolm May and Mike Eife are also players to watch.
Can Clemson or Delaware upset anyone? Of course, this is sevens. Clemson plays a good team game, and if the Tigers hold firm on defense, they should be OK.
Delaware is a dark horse. Originally scheduled to play in the more local Collegiate Challenge Cup, the Blue Hens deserved to move up to the CRC, and those connected to the team say, don't count it out.
After the tournament debuted in 2010, the mighty Golden Bears had to stand by and watch Utah and then Dartmouth (twice) claim the Pete Dawkins trophy. But since 2013, Cal has won four in a row. It's not always been easy, with three finals decided by a try or less, but the Bears won all three of those, plus a comparative runaway last year.
This year, Cal shouldn't have too much trouble getting out of Pool E against Penn State, Clemson, and Delaware on Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. It's not a walkover pool, but the Bears don't have many weak spots. Anthony Salaber leads an experience group of Cal seniors, and freshman Sam Cusano is also blossoming in sevens.
Highlights from the first CRC final, which Cal lost in overtime in 2010.
Penn Sate has some talent, too, including Joe Kelly and Shelby Niumataiwalu. Malcolm May and Mike Eife are also players to watch.
Can Clemson or Delaware upset anyone? Of course, this is sevens. Clemson plays a good team game, and if the Tigers hold firm on defense, they should be OK.
Delaware is a dark horse. Originally scheduled to play in the more local Collegiate Challenge Cup, the Blue Hens deserved to move up to the CRC, and those connected to the team say, don't count it out.