49er News Articles

Solid defense is key for Beach in 10-5 victory over UC Irvine

by Jo-Ryan Salazar
CSULB Rugby Webmaster
December 1, 2007

In team sports such as rugby, they say that the best teams are those who are able to fend off not only the opposition, but officiating that favors the opposition. It is called the face of adversity. Today, on the CSULB Rugby Field, Long Beach State welcomed back the UC Irvine Anteaters, champions of this year's Kickoff Tournament, and through a solid defensive showcase, won 10-5.

Fending off infraction after infraction, a yellow card and opportunities for UCI, Robert Hughes and Austin Reed scored tries in the 23rd and 35th minutes, respectively.

With the win, Long Beach State improves to 3-3 for the year. In the reserve grade match, UCI snapped a 5-game winning streak for Long Beach State, downing the 49ers 8-5.

The 49ers will next be in action on December 9 when the face off against the St. Mary's Gaels, one of the top teams in Northern California. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on the CSULB Rugby Field.

	1st	2nd	Final
Long Beach State	5	5	10
UC Irvine	5	0	5

SCORING

1st Period
23' - LBSU try, Robert Hughes
LBSU 5 - UCI 0
27' - UCI try
LBSU 5 - USC 5

2nd Period
35' - LBSU try, Austin Reed
LBSU 10 - USC 5