Rugby stakes claim for first conference championship

On Friday the Wildcats had UCLA down 7-3 in the first half but broke the match open in the second half with seven trys.

Head coach David Sitton said both games were intense, but Sunday's game against Long Beach State was almost unbearable.

In a tight contest, UA flyhalf Zach Harrison scored a try to put Arizona ahead 8-7. Harrison scored again on 40-yard kick worth three points that gave the Wildcats an 11-7 lead at the half.

Flanker Dennis Welsh saved the day for his team by blocking a Long Beach State punt in its own zone.

"In the second half we played very good defense to hold off several strong Long Beach State attacks," Sitton said.

He said the players, their parents, the coaches and the alumni are very happy with Arizona's results this season.

"This shows how these players had worked harder," Sitton said. "We're the same coaches and we teach the same way. But it shows that the players had worked hard and it has paid off. They have sacrified a lot for the team."

Wing Jared Jones said Arizona's defense was the key in the win over the 49ers, but admitted that the kicking team was better than usual.

"We're happy, but we are not going to celebrate until we finish undefeated in the league," Jones said. "We have the best fitness of the league right now and it pays off in the second half."

Jones said Arizona is ready to play teams like Air Force and the California Golden Bears - two teams which have beaten UA this year.

Arizona will finish its conference slate next week against Arizona State, a game for which coaches and players expect a lot of attention.

"Rugby is the same as it is with the basketball, baseball and football teams, and we're not more friendly than anybody else. After all, they're the Sun Devils," Sitton said.