Stanford vs. Chico State
The Cardinal hosted Chico State at Steuber Stadium on Sunday, after the wet conditions forced the game to be delayed.
Stanford started the game strongly and scored the first try of the game after only 5 minutes. The Stanford forwards won a lineout 10 meters out and then drove their way past the try line, with Alex Rabkin touching the ball down. Chico responded strongly however, and despite some resolute defensive play from Stanford in their own 22, the score was soon level at 5-5. Stanford failed to regain momentum and conceded two more tries to make the score 19-5 half time.
Unfortunately for Stanford, the second half started as the first had ended, and the Cardinal soon found themselves with a seemingly insurmountable deficit, after conceding two more tries, leaving the score at 29-5. However, soon after Stanford prop Andrew Thompson bundled his way over the line after a breakaway to give Stanford some hope. This hope quickly turned into belief after scrum half Dan Ibarra skillfully intercepted a Chico set play to run 90 meters for a try. With both conversions being made, the score stood at 29-19 with over 10 minutes remaining. Stanford had all of the momentum at this point, and centre Marcus Henderson smashed in for another try after a penalty play. The score was 26-29 with 3 minutes remaining, and with Stanford playing impassioned rugby, the clock was the only enemy. After a marching down the field once again, a few unforced errors brought Stanford's thrilling comeback to a disappointing end.
With the result, the Cardinal picks up 2 bonus points in the NorCal league and will hope to avenge their defeat against the same opponents next weekend.
Stanford started the game strongly and scored the first try of the game after only 5 minutes. The Stanford forwards won a lineout 10 meters out and then drove their way past the try line, with Alex Rabkin touching the ball down. Chico responded strongly however, and despite some resolute defensive play from Stanford in their own 22, the score was soon level at 5-5. Stanford failed to regain momentum and conceded two more tries to make the score 19-5 half time.
Unfortunately for Stanford, the second half started as the first had ended, and the Cardinal soon found themselves with a seemingly insurmountable deficit, after conceding two more tries, leaving the score at 29-5. However, soon after Stanford prop Andrew Thompson bundled his way over the line after a breakaway to give Stanford some hope. This hope quickly turned into belief after scrum half Dan Ibarra skillfully intercepted a Chico set play to run 90 meters for a try. With both conversions being made, the score stood at 29-19 with over 10 minutes remaining. Stanford had all of the momentum at this point, and centre Marcus Henderson smashed in for another try after a penalty play. The score was 26-29 with 3 minutes remaining, and with Stanford playing impassioned rugby, the clock was the only enemy. After a marching down the field once again, a few unforced errors brought Stanford's thrilling comeback to a disappointing end.
With the result, the Cardinal picks up 2 bonus points in the NorCal league and will hope to avenge their defeat against the same opponents next weekend.
