Cal’s methodical dominance continued in the Cup Quarterfinals, as the Golden Bears throttled Texas 54-5.

Texas shockingly took the lead seconds into the match, Eric Luikens intercepted Cal’s second pass of the game for a try.

On the next restart, Cal skipped the center and went wide to the wing. Then it was business as usual, and the Golden Bears worked the ball to both touch lines before Danny Barrett crossed for the leveling try. The conversion attempt was successful, giving Cal a 7-5 lead.

Cal struck again when Seamus Kelly pumped his legs through a Texas arm tackle and centered the try. The conversion was again good, pushing the Cal lead to 14-5.

Kelly scored again on Cal’s next possession, picking up a dropped Texas pass and scooting five meters for the try. Converted, it gave Cal a 21-5 halftime lead over Texas.

The Golden Bears didn’t give Texas much ball to work with in the opening half, and when they did, the Longhorns couldn’t hold onto it. The second half was more of the same, with Texas throwing away possession and Cal gladly picking it up.

Cal raced in five second-half scores to cap off the lopsided victory.

With one aberration, Cal’s wins have grown increasingly more decided each game. They beat Navy by 11 to start the tourney, then Notre Dame by 29, Army by 24 and now Texas by 49.

“That’s what we were coming out to do after a long build up,” said Seamus Kelly. “We were wanting to come out and improve every game and I think that’s what we did.”

Up next for Cal is Dartmouth. Both of these teams are known for great discipline and adherence to a well-designed pattern. But in a game where both teams seem to be without holes, individual creativity and brilliance can be valuable. Cal’s Brad Harrington says the Golden Bears of playing enterprising 7s.

“We do play a system, play structured, but coach lets us play. If there’s a hole there, coach tells us to take it,” Harrington said.

“We’ve got a bunch of great athletes on the team, so anytime you get a chance to express your athleticism, especially in s7s, express your flare, if it works out, we’re happy for it,” Kelly added.


Cal 54
Tries: Barrett, Kelly (2), Battaglia, Bosco (2), Coquillard, Harrington
Cons: Aronson (6), Harrington

Texas 5
Tries: Luikens