The Central Washington University men's rugby team (7-3) came up short against St. Mary's University on Saturday afternoon, falling 53-48 in the second round of the D1A national championship playoffs.

INSIDE THE FIXTURE

• Final: #3 CWU 48, #2 St. Mary's 53
• Location: St. Mary's Stadium | Moraga, California.

‍QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY"Some high-level attacking rugby on display today, and unfortunately, we couldn't put together enough pieces of sustained pressure on the defending national champions to get the win. This group was unbelievable to coach and learn with this year, and we will miss our seniors tremendously. They can be very proud of their time here and they have provided as a great foundation of consistent success to build off of, which I will be eternally grateful for".HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the fourth minute, Oscar Treacy created a lane after a kicking play, scoring a try, followed by a Jac Tregoning conversion, CWU 7, SMC 0.
• The Gaels responded with a try of their own in the eighth minute, CWU 7, SMC 5.
• In the 10^th minute, St. Mary's took the lead following a great team play, where spacing was evident, CWU 7, SMC 10.
• In the 20^th minute, Andrew Miller scored a try, following an attack play on the right flank, CWU 12, SMC 10.
• In the 23^rd minute, the Gaels responded with a try by Oliver Klein, re gaining the lead, followed by a successful conversion, CWU 12, SMC 17.
• In the 27^th minute, Drew Farrington scored a try following an overhead kick, tying the match, CWU 17, SMC 17.
• In the 32^nd minute, Sam Dwyer scored a try following a kick pass from Tregoning, followed by a successful conversion, CWU 24, SMC 17.
• In the 36^th minute, SMC responded with a try, following a scrum play, along with a successful conversion, CWU 24, SMC 24.
• Halftime: CWU 24, SMC 24
• Following the break, the Gaels scored a try in the first two minutes, taking the lead, followed by a successful conversion, CWU 24, SMC 31.
• In the 48^th minute, SMC extended their lead with a try following a scrum, CWU 24, SMC 36.
• In the 52^nd minute, SMC scored a try following a collective effort on the left flank, followed by a conversion, CWU 24, SMC 43.
• The Wildcats responded in the 56^th minute with a try by Campbell Robb, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 31, SMC 43.
• In the 64^th minute, St. Mary's added to their lead with a try through the middle of the field, followed by a conversion, CWU 31, SMC 50.
• In the 70^th minute, St. Mary's converted a penalty kick, extending their lead, CWU 31, SMC 53.
• In the 74^th minute, Treacy scored his second try of the match, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 38, SMC 53.
• In the 78^th minute, Andrew Miller scored his second try of the match, followed by a Tregoning conversion, CWU 45, SMC 53.
• In the 79^th minute, Jac Tregoning converted a penalty kick, bringing the 'Cats back into the game, CWU 48, SMC 53.
• Final: CWU 48, SMC 53

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