Men's Rugby | 1/27/2018 3:51:00 PM

ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Jan. 25) – Jack Wendling scored twice, but the Central Washington university men's rugby team fell to Lindenwood, 27-15. 
 
Wendling's two tries were the lone tallies for Central.  Reuben Ludick added one conversion and a penalty goal.
 
"Full credit to Lindenwood today, as they won every big moment in the game," CWU Head Coach Todd Thornley.  "We had chances, but unfortunately we did not capitalize on them.  I am proud of the growth we have shown this month, we must continue to learn and move forward with this young side."
 
The Lions found the score sheet first.  Wes White pushed through the Wildcats' line for the game's first score, giving Lindenwood a 5-0 lead.
 
Nick Feakes scored the second try for the Lions.  The Lions' fly-half raced down pitch, securing the ball in the try zone for a 10-0 lead.   Feakes added the conversion, extending the lead to 12-0.
 
Wendling got the Wildcats on the board in the 20^th minute.  He took an offload deep inside enemy territory and plunged over the line for the try, bringing Central closer at 12-5.
 
The Lions added one more try in the 40^th minute, as Deion Mikesell reeled in a punt and immediately grounded it for the try.  Feakes' conversion attempt was no good, but the Lions went into halftime with a 17-5 lead.
 
With the wind at their backs in the second half Ludick opened the scoring for the Wildcats with a penalty in the 43^rd minute, bringing the score closer 17-8.
 
Wendling struck again in the 50^th minute.  The Lions drove deep inside the Wildcats' 22-meter line and attempted to shift play with a lateral punt.  Wendling blocked the punt, scooped up the loose ball, and brought it nearly the length of the pitch for his second try.  Ludick tacked on the conversion, bringing the score to 17-15.
 
Jimmy Lilils scored for the Lions in the 54^th minute during a prolonged engagement right on the Wildcats' try line.  The Lions' lock fully extended and grounded the ball over the try line.
 
Ashley Harrop scored the final try for Lindenwood, pushing through the Wildcats' defense and giving Lindenwood a 27-15 advantage.  The Lions held their advantage for the remained of the game.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday (Feb. 3) as they take on the University of Washington in Seattle.  Kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m.