BERKELEY – In an intense matchup at Witter Rugby Field, Cal rugby claimed victory over Central Washington with a final score of 43-26. With their win over the Wildcats, the Bears now advance to the next round of the playoffs.
 
"My tendency is to dissect our performances, but this is the time to just thank Central Washington for the match and turn the page," head coach Jack Clark said. "Next Saturday is a new match with a good opponent, and the occasion warrants all our attention. We are grateful to advance.
 
Central Washington was quick to put points on the board, scoring the first try of the contest in the fourth minute, but failing to convert it. Cal responded with a try by senior Jack Manzo in the ninth minute, converted by junior Nate Salter to give Cal the 7-5 lead.
 
Senior Marcus Shankland had an impressive comeback for his first match in several weeks after being out with an injury. He collected three tries in a row in the first half in the 17th, 37th, and 39th minutes. Another try by Manzo, and strong Cal defense kept the Wildcats out of the try zone where the half ended with the Bears out front 33-5.  
 
The second half of the match saw more back-and-forth play between the Bears and the Wildcats. Cal scored first when Marcus Shankland contributed his fourth try of the match, bringing their lead up to 38-5. CWU then scored twice in the 60th and 68th minutes, both converted successfully. Cal held onto the lead throughout the match, nonetheless, and collected another try in the 73rd minute by sophomore Tom Dixon. The Wildcats scored once more in the 76th minute, but it was not enough to take away the dominant lead from the Bears. Cal claimed victory with a final score of 43-26.
 
"After being out for so long it was a nice confidence boost to get on the scoreboard," senior Marcus Shankland said. "But it's a team sport, so I don't get the opportunity to score unless the boys on the inside are doing their job."
 
The Bears now advance to the next round of the playoffs, which will be hosted in Strawberry Canyon next Saturday, April 23. They will face Saint Mary's at 1pm at Witter Rugby Field.
 
Scoring Timeline:
Cal 43, CWU 26
4:00 – Central Washington 5
9:00 – Jack Manzo 5, Nate Salter 2
17:00 – Marcus Shankland 5, Nate Salter 2
30:00 – Jack Manzo 5, Nate Salter 2
37:00 – Marcus Shankland 5
39:00 – Marcus Shankland 5, Nate Salter 2
Halftime: Cal 33, CWU 5
50:00 – Marcus Shankland 5
60:00 – Central Washington 5, Central Washington 2
68:00 – Central Washington 5, Central Washington 2
73:00 – Tom Dixon 5
76:00 – Central Washington 5
 
Starters vs Central Washington:
1. Emilio Shea 2. Jack Manzo 3. Charlie Walsh 4. Sam Golla 5. Tom Dixon 6. Luke Freeman 7. Nathan Zylstra 8. Jason Severance 9. Henry Poon 10. Nate Salter 11. Marcus Shankland 12. Seth Purdey 13. Will Shankland 14. Nick Bloom 15. Max Schumacher
 
Substitutions:
15:00 – Luke Ogburn
60:00 – Michael Puckett
63:00 – Max Clark
65:00 – Kevin Saunders, Alex Brundage
68:00 – Gavin Janis
74:00 – Jake Broekhuizen 
78:00 -- Michael Perrone