UC Davis vs Oregon
It was a perfect sunny day on Saturday when UC Davis Mens Rugby team walked out onto Russell Field for their first game of the season against the University of Oregon Ducks. At the close of the pre-season, the Aggies suffered a gut wrenching loss against Fresno State that quashed their winning streak. There were a lot of lessons learned in that game and based on their performance Saturday, it looks like the Aggies understood what it would take to prepare for the season.
From the kickoff, the Aggies displayed a faster and more accurate line speed and it paid off. Within minutes Will Bradford (Aggies #7) soared over the try line putting the first points on the board for the Aggies. Francis Schumann (Aggies #14) converted the try bringing the score to 7-0.
With a frenzied pace throughout the first half, the Aggies left the Ducks with very little room to work. The Aggies scored five more tries in the first half. Try scorers included: Sam Faucette (#1), Azeh Kani (#11), Francis Schumann (#14), and Sam Eddins (Captain #4). Azeh Kani, scored two of the tries in this first half; this was his first game with the Aggies and he lit up the field when he got traction. In his second try, after sprinting across the field at top speed he stopped abruptly just short of the try line, let the Ducks defense fall past him and then walked the ball over the line and set it down.
With three of their six tries converted, the Aggies closed out the first half with 36 points to the Ducks 0.
When the second half kicked off, it looked like the Aggies were going to keep up the pressure and pace. Captain Sam Eddins (#4) made an early interception and passed the ball to Aidan Moore (#3) who ran it all the way down the field for the Aggies seventh try and proved that props can sprint too. Several minutes later the Aggies set up a kick chase outside the 22 meter line and Max Schoenberger (#10) beat out a pack of Ducks to touch the ball over the line and score Aggies eighth try. Francis Schumann (#14) converted both tries bringing the score to 50 nil before the middle of the half.
But it is at this point in the game when the strain to hold up the fast pace took its toll. The Aggies started to make more mistakes and discipline slid. Two Aggies players were penalized with yellow cards over the next twenty minutes, both for cynically slapping the ball to obstruct a pass. The Ducks took advantage of the fatigue and for the remainder of the game stacked try on top of try. The final score of the game was 50 Aggies to 24 Ducks.
In a post match interview, Head Coach Andy Malpass offered these thoughts on the game.
“I am extremely pleased with the way the team has reacted to their pre-season loss against Fresno State. The players have worked hard on returning from Winter break and the continued interruptions due to Covid. I felt like the first half performance was by far the best this group has played this far. However, we did slip away in the second half losing shape and showing lack of conditioning after the long break.”
Two players suffered injuries during the game that the coaches and staff will be evaluating. Devin Flores (#12) suffered a foot injury early in the game and Captain Sam Eddins (#4) took a nasty knock to the head in a line out lift. Our thoughts are with these players and we hope to see them well and fit at a future game.
Two players had their first game time for the Aggies. Tom Dowling (#2) and Azeh Kani (#11). Both contributed well in the game and we will look forward to seeing them out there in future matches.
In addition to the two newest players, overall, the coaches were pleased with the level of play and development shown by each of the players. Captain Sam Eddins continues to demonstrate that his understanding of the game is a level above with good game management and mature leadership. Cole Lipelt (#4) deserves special mention for his consistent, dogged, hard work in every game; he has never let the team down.
Thank you to all the supporters who came out to fill the bleachers. And thank you to the Alumni Association and parents who brought out a delicious spread of post match grub for both teams. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next game. The Aggies will be playing against Grand Canyon University on Friday, February 11th at Russell Field at 1pm