ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The #10 Central Washington University men's rugby team (4-2) won a hard-fought match on Saturday afternoon against Trinity Western University. In a back-and-forth battle, the Wildcats successfully came out on top, led by Patrick Sale's two tries. After being down at halftime, the Crimson and Black fought back and showed resiliency to secure the victory.
 
INSIDE THE FIXTURE

• Final: CWU 57, TWU 48
• Location: Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium | Ellensburg, Wash.

 
QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY
"A strange game, where we would have moments of consistent execution and then moments when we really struggled. This was a disappointing performance in regard to our defensive discipline and we unfortunately relied on our ability to score points to scratch out a win. Credit to Trinity Western University, they were creative and kept coming but we have a lot of work to do going forward as we head into a crucial stage of our season."  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first minute of the game, the Wildcats struck first as Aidan Stewart secured the try, CWU 5, TWU 0.
• In the eighth minute, The Crimson and Black extended their lead with a great team effort to secure the try, followed by a Jac Tregoning conversion, CWU 12, TWU 0.
• In the 13^th minute, the Spartans got on the board with an Ethan Jurgeneit try, CWU 12, TWU 5.
• In the 23^rd minute, Graydon Hardie secured a TRY for Trinity Western with a great individual effort, followed by a Fynn Murphy conversion, CWU 12, TWU 12.
• In the 33^rd minute, Lynden Duggan TRY, followed by a Murphy conversion, CWU 12, TWU 19.
• In the 38^th minute, Jurgeneit scored his second TRY, followed by a Fynn Murphy conversion kick, CWU 12, TWU 26.
• Halftime: CWU 12, TWU 26
• In the 42^nd minute, Patrick Sale executed a great play, running down the right flank to score a try, CWU 17, TWU 26.
• In the 48^th minute, Tiai Vavao scored a try to get the 'Cats back in the game, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 24, TWU 26.
• Seconds later, Tauiliili made a heads up play to force a turnover and sprint across the field for a try, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 31, TWU 26.
• In the 56^th minute, Sam Dwyer made his mark on the match as he secured a try on a fantastic individual effort, CWU 36, TWU 26.
• In the 61^st minute, the Spartans responded with a try of their own as Genaro Gandolfo made a great run through the Wildcat defense, CWU 36, TWU 31.
• In the 64^th minute, Campbell Robb scored a try with a fantastic team maul to march down the field, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 43, TWU 31.
• In the 69^th minute, Patrick Sale secured his second try of the game with a phenomenal individual 50-yard run, showcasing his speed to extend the lead, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 50, TWU 31.
• In the 72^nd minute, Murphy scored a try down the middle of the field to bring the Spartans back into the game, CWU 50, TWU 36
• In the 76^th minute, Duggan scored his second try of the game, followed by a successful Murphy conversion, CWU 50, TWU 43.
• With three minutes remaining, Benji Ward forced a key turnover to run down the field and secure a try to extend the lead and seal the win for the Wildcats, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 57, TWU 43.
• In the 80^th minute, Trinity Western showed some fight as Connor Bernardin scored a try, CWU 57, TWU 48.
• Final: CWU 57, TWU 48

UP NEXT
Your Wildcats hit the road as they travel to Provo, Utah for a showdown against #6 BYU that will take place on Saturday, March 15^th. Kickoff is TBD and will take place at South Field. This will be an interesting matchup between the two top 10 ranked teams in the nation.