November 22, 2024
Steuber Rugby Stadium
Stanford, CA
Stanford 0 - Santa Cruz 12
Stanford Men's Rugby faced UC Santa Cruz on Friday night amidst the pouring rain for a wet and muddy battle under the lights. The first 20 minutes was a constant exchange of possession and rich in scrums given the conditions. Santa Cruz would find themselves within the Cardinal 22 meters, about 15 minutes into the match. The Cardinal played 11 consecutive phases on defense, over half of which were the efforts of a goal line stance. The fight of the Cardinal would be rewarded after prop Hamza Alsamraee '26 stripped the ball from the ball carrier at the line. The reward was short-lived as the Cardinal knocked the ball forward at a ruck prior to an opportunity to clear the ball down the pitch. The Banana Slugs would find the tryline off the 5m scrum despite the efforts of winger Patrick Kennedy '27 to suffocate the ball.Â
Following the next kickoff, the Slugs cleared their half after a chip and chase was regathered by their winger. A penalty by the Cardinal at the ruck put the Slugs in strong scoring position with a 5 meter lineout. The next phase of play would last nearly 3 minutes and involve five changes in possession within the Cardinal 22 meters. Santa Cruz eventually found the tryzone after their scrumhalf spotted an open backfield, kicking the ball over the ruck and chasing his kick to score the try. The convert try would find the Cardinals down 0-12 at the half.Â
The second half downpour would make for difficult handling and traction, and consequently ample scrummaging. Possession changed rapidly and phase play was limited. The Cardinal defense brought continued line speed in the second half and held Santa Cruz scoreless including two notable stops at defending lineouts at the 5m. The Cardinal would have a shot at the line in the second half but the attempt was held up by the Slug defense.Â
Stanford will not face Santa Cruz in the regular season as Santa Cruz is in D1A; a division higher than the Cardinal. The match was great preparation for the Cardinal as it kicks off the competitive season in January after the return from the break.Â
A 30-minute B-side match between the two teams followed this match as the night neared its end. The Stanford b-side beat the Santa Cruz b-side with the score of 10-0. The first try was off a right side scrum within the Santa Cruz 22m, where Curtis McGinity tidied a messy ball to carry through a set of defenders as he charged towards the line. With his team close behind, the Cardinal secured possession. Ifan Jenkins moved the ball to Caleb Compton who would not be denied as he barreled through for the try. The second try was off a Stanford lineout within the Santa Cruz 22m. The ball made its way from the right side of the pitch to the far left side where Jenkins would ultimately touch it down. Follow @stanford_rugby to check out clips from the Try of the Week.
Stanford Men's Roster vs UCSC
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Tries: Caleb Compton, Ifan Jenkins
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