The Mustangs started off the CPL with an impressive 27-14 win over the Bruins at home in front of a large Alumni/Parent’s weekend crowd.
Cal Poly came out strong and the forward pack immediately put the pressure on UCLA. Two relatively quick tries were put on the board by rookie flanker Eric Parsons and veteran lock Charlie Hamilton.
Good ball movement and impressive loose play by the Mustangs resulted in two more tries before half time by scrum half Colin Malcolm and hooker Joe Saldana. The Bruins snuck past the try-line as the half time whistle blew, but the Mustangs held a 22-7 lead.
The second half appeared to be an entirely different match as things got increasingly sloppy throughout. Each team only managed to put in one try, Cal Poly’s by a strong run from Eight-man Etuate Varea.
“I think we played a half of really good rugby,” said Cal Poly Head Coach Nick Massman. “We started out great and while we left some opportunities out there, we recycled the ball really well and got good two-second or three-second ball.”
Cal Poly’s goal kicking could have certainly been improved as they were just one of five on the day.
This upcoming weekend the Mustangs look forward to traveling up to Washington to take on the Central Washington Wildcats.