The University of California claimed its fifth straight Collegiate Rugby Championship title, defeating Life University 19-0 in the final at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa. Sunday.

After battling through a difficult first day after which Head Coach Jack Clark said the team had considered not even coming (more on that later), the Golden Bears defeated Kutztown 19-10 in the quarterfinal and Indiana 29-14 in the semifinal before shutting out the Running Eagles.



Freshman Sam Cusano, who scored twice against Life and finished the weekend with five tries, was named tournament MVP, although captain Russell Webb might have also been considered for that award given his superb playmaking abilities and his 20-for-27 success rate on conversions, which, combind with his four tries, was good for 60 points.

Full Men's CRC Results Here.

"We had a job to do, even if we didn't have our hearts and spirit in it," said Webb after raising the Pete Dawkins trophy.

Webb said that because the team is still reeling after the injury to teammate Robert Paylor in the Varsity Cup final. Paylor is paralyzed, and his injury was the reason the plays and coaches seriously considered not competing in Pennsylvania. 

Jack Clark Releases Statement on Robert Paylor.

 
"We wanted to represent all those who came before us as well as keep Robert foremost in our thoughts. He is an inspiration," said Webb.

Cusano, one of eight Bears making their first trip the CRC, called the tournament "a two-day journey that doesn't mean anything compared to the journey that Rob is on. We're learning from him as he fights to recover every day."

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Clark was visibly emotional after the victory, saying how proud he was of his players for their work ethic. Certainly it was not a perfect performance by Cal, but they made some key plays along the way. In the final, the two teams were in a physical confrontation, but after a yellow card to Life for not retreating on a penalty, Cal was able to put prop Connor Sweet over for a first-half try.




A turnover inside the Cal 22 allowed Cusano to break around the perimeter defense and gallop in from long range. Then Cusano capped off a nice team move to finish off the game. But crucial tackles on Life breakaways, including two from Rob Salaber, were a big part of the victory, too. In addition, Cal's strength in the rucks was superior to any other team's. The Bears were very quick to get to their feet, and very quick to show they had released a tackled player and then then quick to pounce right back to steal the ball.

That quickness, combined with the strength to stay solid in the rucks, forced penalties on opponents, including Life, and led to victory.

"We leaked a couple of tries during the tournament that we normally wouldn't leak, but today was our best defensive effort," said Clark. "More than that, I was proud of our players' overall effort. They fronted. We said we would take care of our responsibilities and that's what they did."

Quarterfinals

Cal 19 Kutztown 10
Tries: Tavenner 2, Flynn
Convs: Webb 2

Semifinals

Cal 29 Indiana 14
Tries: Gaffney, Barrientes, Webb, Cusano, Fuller
Convs: Webb 2

Final

Cal 19 Life 0
Tries: Sweet, Cusano 2
Webb 2

(Additional reporting Cal Varsity Rugby)