Kanto Gakuin University clinched the Japanese college rugby union crown for the first time in two years by outplaying Hosei University 42-15 in the final of the National Collegiate Championship on Saturday at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Kanto Gakuin, the winner of the annual tourney in 1998 and 1999, displayed variations of attacks and scored three tries in the first half -- from scrum-half Tsubasa Haruguchi, son of Kanto Gakuin head coach Hiroshi Haruguchi, center Yuya Mizuta and hooker Kenji Kura.
Hosei, seeking its first title in eight years, frustrated the Kanto League-sen Group winner with its aggressive defense.
Hosei, which finished second in the Kanto League-sen Group, fought back with scrum-half Ippei Asada's 39th-minute try, cutting the deficit to 17-7 at halftime.
But Kanto winger Hiroki Mizuno broke through the left flank twice to score two tries in four minutes.
Nine minutes later, Kanto hooker Mitsugu Yamamoto, who replaced the injured Kura at halftime, attacked a ruck side to dive over the line for his team's sixth try and a 36-10 lead, assuring Kanto control of the game.
Hosei tried to remain competitive, but played too erratically at crucial moments, especially line-outs, only to struggle to find its rhythm.
Hosei center Tetsuya Watanabe stepped through the Kanto players to score a try late in the second half for his team's consolation.
A jubilant Kanto head coach Haruguchi commented, "It was a good game. We played a good, entertaining game with good defense and few fouls today. Our players showed what we've worked through this season."