ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Central Washington University men's rugby team hosts Saint Mary's College of California at Tomlinson Stadium on Saturday.
FIXTURE INFORMATION
Saturday, April 24
Noon
Vs Saint Mary's College
Tomlinson Stadium
Ellensburg, WA
WATCH
QUOTABLE
"Firstly, we are so grateful for our athletic department & university administration for allowing us to finish off our season in a safe environment in Tomlinson Stadium," CWU Head Men's Rugby Coach Todd Thornley said. "Our last outing against St. Mary's was exactly what we needed to enable reflection in all areas of our training environment as they dominated possession and the game, especially in the first 30 minutes of the match. We have been working hard for the past two weeks on our behaviors off the ball to create the precious extra time we need to execute and apply pressure on the opposition. St. Mary's has an outstanding coaching staff that prepare their student-athletes very well so we know they will also be a lot better this coming weekend and will be a serious threat to our unbeaten record on Tomlinson Stadium."
SCOUTING THE GAELS
The Gaels are coming off an impressive 32-14 victory over Cal.
Saint Mary's scored early, winning a lineout and mauling their way over the line. The Gaels pulled off a second maul a bit later. Cal's defense did manage to slow the progression of the second maul, but the Gaels found their way in for a second try.
Ronan Murphy grounded the ball for a try in the second half after a big hit from Tevita Lopeti knocked the ball loose from a Cal player. The final try for the Gaels came off a turnover. An offload from Cal caromed off the upright and was scooped up by the Gaels.
LAST TIME OUT
Central Washington is looking to even the season series after falling in Moraga, California to the Gaels, 38-17.
Saint Mary's took a 26-0 lead into the break, before the Wildcats' Jake Szumski put the Crimson and Black on the board with a try. After the Gaels responded in kind, Alex Mackenzie made his way over for a try. Central added a try from Kawika Macy later in the second half with Jack Tregoning knocking through the conversion.
Previously, the Crimson and Black took down the University of Arizona, 47-10, at Tomlinson Stadium. Ivan Pula opened the scoring for CWU, before Aiden Latter found the try zone. Jack Wendling put Central ahead 21-3 at the end of the first half.
In the second stanza, Szumski and Mackenzie went over again to make it 35-10. The final try for Central came from Mitchell Hirose in the 79', sealing a 47-10 victory.
SPECTATORS PROHIBITED
Per Washington state, Kittitas County Health Board, and the GNAC spectators will not be allowed at events. Schedules are subject to change at any time pending decisions from the health board and other local and regional authorities.
