Men's Rugby | 1/28/2017 7:11:00 PM
ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Jan. 28) – The Central Washington University men's rugby team opened the 2017 season with a 35-21 victory over the Vancouver Rowing Club.
"We played some good rugby today when we executed our attacking structure and overall game plan," CWU Head Coach
Todd Thornley said. "At times we lacked organization which is to be expected from our first outing on grass in over two months. However, there is a lot to work on before a quick turnaround this week."
Simi Ratukalou opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but the Rowers responded in the 15
th with a try and conversion of their own.
Jeremy Lenaerts found his way over the try line in te 18
th minute, while
Scott Dean added the conversion.
Beau Davis notchd his first try in the 35
th minute and the Wildcats led at halftime 15-7.
Vancouver struck first in the second. The Rowers scored in the 44
th minute, pulling within one, 15-14.
Lenaerts tallied again in the 60
th, before
Cameron Marek registered his first try.
Nick Siemens added the conversion on Marek's try.
The Rowers narrowed the lead to just 27-21 in the 60
th, but Siemens made a penalty in the 73
rd for a bit of insurance.
Larry Peneuata capped the scoring on a 50-meter run in the 77
th minute, giving the Wildcats a 35-21 lead.
"I would like to thank Vancouver Rowing for hosting us and providing some great competition," Thornley added. We now have a foundation to build and learn from as we progress through our season."
The Wildcats are back in action on Thursday (Feb. 2) against Lindenwood-Belleville. Central then plays No. 7 Lindenwood on Saturday (Feb. 4).
