MORAGA, Calif. -  For the first time in team history, the Central Washington University men's rugby team beat the Saint Mary's Gaels in a high-caliber, thrilling match by a score of 29-26. A last second try by Mitchell Hirose gifted the Wildcats a late lead.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE:

• Final: CWU 29, SMU 26
• Location: Moraga, Calif. | Saint Mary's Stadium

QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY:

• "It was a massive effort from both sides and credit to the Gaels as they were all over us for most of the game. They're a great side who deserved to win as much as we did, but that's how it goes sometimes. Our guys stuck at it and got the job done right at the death. We cannot wait to get home and end this road swing with some games at Tomlinson." 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Oscar Treacy got the Wildcats on the board in the 17th minute with a try, followed by a conversion attempt that fell just short. The Wildcats led 5-0.
• Later in the half, the Gaels took the lead with a try and a successful conversion.
• In the 36th minute, Oliver Cline converted a penalty kick to give the Crimson and Black a 8-7 lead into the break.
• In the first minute of the second, half a Saint Mary's error granted a Wildcats possession. Liam Holland took it in for a try and Cline hit the conversion. The Wildcats extended their lead to 15-7.
• Saint Mary's added seven more points in the 58th minute to cut the Wildcats lead to 1 with a score of 15-14.
• Just a couple of minutes later, Marques Fuala'au added a try of his own. Cline knocked the conversion in to make the score 22-14.
• Saint Mary's quickly got hot, scoring a pair of tries as the Wildcats fell behind 22-26 with 12 minutes remaining.
• With 4 minutes remaining, the 'Cats regained possession and began driving down the field. Hirose crossed the ball over the endline with 8 seconds remaining and Cline scored the conversion from deep as the Wildcats took a 29-26 lead.

UP NEXT:

• Next week is Wildcat's home opener with a pair of matchups scheduled at Tomlinson Stadium. First, they'll take on Trinity Western on Friday, Feb. 17, at 5:00 p.m. followed by Western Washington on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 1:00 p.m.