PHOENIX – The California Golden Bears rugby team delivered a dominant performance on Monday, defeating Grand Canyon University 76-14 in Phoenix, Arizona. The victory concludes Cal’s Arizona road trip on a high note, showcasing a comprehensive display of rugby skill and teamwork. Eight different players contributed to the scoring effort, with the Bears registering a total of 11 tries in a commanding display of offensive prowess.
Coming off a narrow 57-51 win against Arizona on Saturday, a game Cal typically dominates, the Bears sought a more decisive performance. Monday’s match provided exactly that, with a 45-0 lead established by halftime. The team, currently ranked No. 4 in the College Rugby Association of America and No. 2 in the Goff Rugby Report rankings, demonstrated its championship caliber with a clinical and powerful display.
“We had a lot cleaner performance today,” said vice captain Cade Crist, reflecting on the team’s improved execution. “We definitely gained a little more confidence in our systems and what we’re trying to do together.” The Bears’ ability to translate practice into performance was evident throughout the match, with fluid passing and strong running lines consistently putting GCU under pressure.
Cal struck early, capitalizing on a GCU penalty that led to a scrum at midfield. Byron Finley opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, finishing off a strong run by Cormac Saint. Nate Comiskey added another try in the 10th minute, extending the lead after a well-executed passing sequence initiated by Masi Koi and Oliver Newall. A penalty kick from Rand Santos set up Elias Smith for a try, further solidifying Cal’s dominance. Koi, returning from injury, showcased impressive footwork for a try in the 27th minute, and senior center Michál de Beer marked his return from a Fall 7s injury with a try in the 31st minute. Freshman William Schreckengaust capped off the first-half scoring with a powerful run, helping the Bears build their substantial lead.
The second half saw Grand Canyon find the scoreboard with a try from Dylan Mercer, converted by Luke Neely. But, Cal quickly responded, with Koi scoring his second try of the game. Finley also added his second, continuing his strong performance. A highlight-reel try from Comiskey, following a beautiful pass from Peter Symington, extended the lead, before further tries from Comiskey and Tommy Rainsford sealed the victory.
GCU head coach Sean O’Leary acknowledged Cal’s strong performance, stating, “We had a better performance in the second half, but we didn’t come out well to play in the first half, and you can’t do that against Cal. We always appreciate Cal visiting us here in Phoenix.”
Cal made seven changes to their lineup from Saturday’s match, giving Brice Muller, Oliver Teague, Solomon Williams, Filip Edstrom, and Emmett Cook a rest. Captain Rand Santos was substituted at halftime, allowing freshman James Curtis to gain valuable experience. Later in the second half, Oliver Kirk, Cade Crist, Chris Biller, and Oliver Newall were replaced by Jayden Flores, Tommy Rainsford, Luke Leddy, and Jack Byszio.
Scoring Summary:
- Cal at GCU
- 3:00 – Byron Finley (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 10:00 – Nate Comiskey (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 27:00 – Masi Koi (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 31:00 – Elias Smith (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 31:00 – Michál de Beer (try)
- 35:00 – William Schreckengaust (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 40:00 – Peter Symington (try)
- Halftime: Cal 45, GCU 0
- 43:00 – Dylan Mercer (try), Luke Neely (conversion) (GCU)
- 47:00 – Masi Koi (try)
- 57:00 – Byron Finley (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 65:00 – Nate Comiskey (try)
- 68:00 – Garren White (try), Luke Neely (conversion) (GCU)
- 75:00 – Nate Comiskey (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- 79:00 – Tommy Rainsford (try), Cormac Saint (conversion)
- Final: Cal 76, GCU 14
Starting XV:
- 1. Oliver Kirk (Tommy Rainsford 47′)
- 2. Cade Crist (Jayden Flores 47′)
- 3. William Schreckengaust (Kimani Laumoli 47′)
- 4. Byron Finley
- 5. Talae Tuimaunei
- 6. Brady Weingart
- 7. Chris Biller (Luke Leddy 40′)
- 8. Elias Smith
- 9. Cormac Saint
- 10. Rand Santos (James Curtis 40′)
- 11. Masi Koi
- 12. Michál de Beer
- 13. Peter Symington
- 14. Nate Comiskey
- 15. Oliver Newall (Jack Byszio 47′)
With this decisive victory, Cal turns its attention to a challenging stretch of matches against traditional rugby powers. The Bears will face BYU on February 21 in Berkeley, followed by contests against Navy (March 7 in Berkeley), Army (March 14 on the road), and Saint Mary’s (March 28 on the road) before defending their national championship in the postseason. The team will look to build on this momentum as they navigate a demanding schedule and strive for another national title.
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