MORAGA, Calif. – The #10 Central Washington University men's rugby team (2-2) fell to #3 St. Mary's University Gaels by a final score of 33-13, in a hard-fought match.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE

• Final: CWU 13, Saint Mary's (CA) 33
• Location: Moraga, California | Saint Mary's Stadium

 
QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY
"Tough battle as expected today, and we were certainly in the game for 70 minutes and had our chances. Unfortunately, we didn't execute down the stretch and the defending national champs pulled away. I'm excited by our potential so we will continue to work hard and improve as we get into the beef of our schedule now."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the 21^st minute, Oscar Treacy got the 'Cats on the board with a spectacular try, off a pass from Jac Tregoning, CWU 5, SMC 0.
• In the 30^th minute, the Gaels responded with a try of their own, followed by a Tatum Pappas conversion, CWU 5, SMC 7.
• Moments later, in the 34^th minute, Tregoning successfully made a penalty kick to regain the lead for the Wildcats, CWU 8, SMC 7.
• Saint Mary's responded with a phenomenal team effort, securing a try in the 37^th minute, followed by a conversion, CWU 8, SMC 14.
• Halftime: CWU 8, SMC 14
• The Crimson and Black came out of the break determined to score and they did, as Treacy secured his second try of the game in the 45^th minute, CWU 13, SMC 14.
• Sialeafuhia Ofa made an impressive run to extend the Gaels lead in the 60^th minute, scoring his second try of the game. The conversion was successful. CWU 13, SMC 21
• In the 73^rd minute, CWU made a costly mistake in the middle of the field and Aisake Tukuafu pounced on the turnover, scoring the try, as Broughton completes the conversion, CWU 13, SMC 28
• In the 80^th minute, Dominic Besag made an incredible open field run, scoring the try and securing the win for the Gaels.
• Final: CWU 13, SMC 33

 
UP NEXT
Your Wildcats continue the road trip as they head to Westwood, California for a battle against #11 UCLA on Saturday, March 1^st. Kickoff is TBD, and the fixture will take place at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.