Troy Jones
ANNAPOILIS, Md. – In a surprising turn of events, the California Bears rugby team faced and ultimately succumbed to a loss against the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Despite commanding the game in the first half and maintaining a lead, the Bears were unable to secure their victory, ceding the final score to the Midshipmen with a convincing 27-3 margin.
First Half Dominance, Second Half Turmoil
The initial 45 minutes saw the Bears playing a commendable game, leaving Navy on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Led by senior fullback Kealan O’Connell, Cal made crucial plays and successfully converted a penalty kick to go 3-0 into halftime. O’Connell’s performance was a highlight, especially considering he had recently returned from a five-week injury layoff.
Penalties and Set Pieces Determine Outcome
The second half, however, marked a shift in momentum with both teams facing defensive struggles. Navy capitalized on penalty kicks and set pieces to secure their points. The Midshipmen’s first try was scored from their set piece, showcasing their strong pack play and strategic finesse. The Bears also attempted to breach the Navy line several times, but successive penalties hindered their progress.
Persistent Efforts, Seemingly Frustrating Outcome
Cal’s relentless attack towards Navy territory continued, with freshman replacement prop Oliver Kirk showcasing significant effort. Yet, multiple penalties against them denied their chances to clinch a crucial try, culminating in a frustrating end to the match.
The Role of Coaching and Teammates
Head coach Jack Clark expressed his gratitude to Navy for hosting the game and wished them well going forward. The loss is a bittersweet reminder that even a dominant first half isn’t guarantee of an overall victory, especially when facing a well-coached opponent like Navy.
Upcoming Fixtures and Season Outlook
Following this setback, the Bears will have a week off before heading to Provo, Utah, for a crucial matchup against BYU on March 8. This road game presents a significant opportunity for the Bears to bounce back and regain their winning form.
Scoring Timeline and Player Roster
Below is the detailed scoring timeline for the match and the starting lineup for the Bears:
Scoring Timeline:
Cal at Navy
7:00 – Kealan O’Connell 3
Half: Cal 3, Navy 0
48:00 – Navy 3
55:00 – Navy 5, Navy 2
67:00 – Navy 5, Navy 2
73:00 – Navy 3
80:00 – Navy 5, Navy 2
Final: Cal 3, Navy 27
Starting XV:
- Tom Dixon
- Cade Crist
- Charlie Walsh
- Hugo Schreuder
- Seamus Deely
- Jon Puckett
- Bryan Bogne
- Ieremia Ieremia
- Solomon Williams
- Masi Koi
- Jack Byszio
- Michal de Beer
- Max Threlkeld
- Joe Kirsten
- Kealan O’Connell
Substitutions:
- Emmett Cook (Half), Oliver Teague (60:00), Oliver Kirk (62:00), Talan Jones (66:00), Cormac Saint (69:00), Mack Fell (69:00)
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