National Small College Rugby Organization LLC: Latest News: Cal Maritime Knocks off both Sacramento State & UC Davis in Pre-Season Matches

Times-Herald sports staff/ Posted: 01/22/2013 07:21:10 AM PST

Cal Maritime men's rugby player Brian Martinez scored a late try to beat Sacramento State, 24-21, on Friday at Bodnar Field.

The Keelhaulers trailed for much the the game when Sacramento State scored on three long tries. When the Hornets scored first on an 80-yard try, Cal Maritime answered with a penalty kick to make it 7-3 lead. Sac State increased its lead to 21-8 after scoring two more tries.

A drop goal by Kevin Raff and a penalty by Will Fitzpatrick cut the Hornets lead to 21-14 and set the stage for Martinez's game winning try.

The Keelhaulers (5-0) face UC Davis in their final preseason match on January 25.

NSCRO Update: Cal Maritime edges UC Davis. CMA Coach Steve Hiatt reports "We were lucky our defense was on fire, scoring on 2 long interception tries, and won 14-12."

In 2012, Cal Maritime finished second in the NSCRO National Championship losing to Salve Regina University in the final. The Keelhaulers appear to be readying themselves for a run at the 2013 NSCRO title.