WESTWOOD, Calif. - The #10 Central Washington University men's rugby team (3-2) won a hard-fought match on Saturday afternoon against #11 UCLA. In a back-and-forth battle, the Wildcats successfully came out on top, led by Campbell Robb's three tries.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE

• Final: CWU 47, UCLA 41
• Location: Westwood, California | Wallis Annenberg Stadium

 
QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY
"A game where we forgot how to defend and frankly got bullied at times. Credit to UCLA, they did enough to beat us, but I'm pleased to see our composure and leadership down the stretch to find a way to win when we weren't at our best."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the 3^rd minute, the Bruins came out firing with a fast and aggressive start, securing an early try and conversion to take the lead, CWU 0, UCLA 7.
• Just two minutes later, in the 5^th  minute, the Wildcats quickly responded with a try of their own, followed by a well-executed conversion by Jac Tregoning, tying the game at CWU 7, UCLA 7.
• In the 7^th minute, UCLA's Niko Cortessis broke through for a try, pushing the Bruins back into the lead at CWU 7, UCLA 12.
• However, Central Washington wasn't fazed and in the 9^th  minute, Campbell Robb executed a brilliant individual run, slicing through the defense for a try, and Tregoning added the conversion to put the Wildcats ahead, CWU 14, UCLA 12.
• In the 14^th minute, Will Sherman successfully scored a try, followed by a conversion, giving the Bruins the lead once again, CWU 14, UCLA 19.
• Logan Turner secured a try for UCLA in the 20^th minute to extend the lead, CWU 14, UCLA 24.
• In the 24^th minute, Robb secured his second try of the match, followed by Tregoning's third conversion, bringing the 'Cats within three points, CWU 21, UCLA 24.
• In the 27^th minute, following a scrum, Benji Ward exploded through the middle for an electrifying solo try, regaining the lead for the Wildcats and bringing the score to CWU 26, UCLA 24.
• Halftime: CWU 26, UCLA 24
• The second half began with the Bruins eager to retake the lead, and just two minutes into the half, Andrew McCarthy powered through to score a try, putting UCLA back in the lead, CWU 26, UCLA 29.
• In the 50^th minute, Frederick Jobber found the try zone for his first of the match, and with the successful conversion, the Bruins extended their lead to CWU 26, UCLA 36.
• The Wildcats responded in the 58^th minute with Andrew Miller's try, followed by a Tregoning conversion, closing the gap and bringing the score to CWU 33, UCLA 36.
• With only ten minutes left in the match, Campbell Robb completed his hat trick, scoring his third try of the game and, with Tregoning's fifth successful conversion of the day, the Wildcats regained the lead at CWU 40, UCLA 36.
• In the 72^nd minute, Andrew McCarthy scored his second try of the game for the Bruins to regain the lead, in an epic back and forth clash, CWU 40, UCLA 41.
• In the 76th minute, Oscar Treacy made his stamp on the game with a pivotal try to give the Wildcats the lead with a few minutes left, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 47, UCLA 41.
• Final: CWU 47, UCLA 41

 
UP NEXT
Your Wildcats return home to face Trinity Western on Saturday, March 8^th. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium. The 'Cats will look to extend their winning streak in the 'Burg.