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Rugby season gets off to strong start
By Scott Parish Staff Reporter

The Central Washington University men’s rugby team opened their season last Saturday against their rival, Western Washington University in Bellingham. After having a good preseason record of 2-1, defeating University of Montana and nationally ranked University of Washington in their final pre-season game, the team is ready to start the regular season. The Wildcats only preseason loss was against the Oregon State University Beavers in a close game.

In the season opener against Western, the Wildcats came out hungry for a win. The team dominated the game from start to finish, leading at the half 13-0.

"I thought the team played well with the conditions we played in," senior fly half, Mike Merrill said. "It was rainy, windy and cold so the ball was hard to control at times but we made the best of it."

The Vikings were able to score in the second half but the Wildcat defenders were able to contain Western’s scoring attack.

"Our fullback and wingers did a good job of securing the backfield for the opposing team’s kicks," Merrill said.

Central put up another 10 points in the second half and the final score of the game had Central on top 23-7.

Leading the scoring attack for the Wildcats was senior outside center Josh Baxter, who was three of three on field goal conversions. Merrill, senior flanker Adam Ralston and senior scrum half Dave Jones also scored in the Wildcats victory.

"I felt the team played well and stuck to the game plan," Ralston said. "It was our first league game of the season and it felt great to start with a win."

The Wildcat’s next game is scheduled for Saturday in Ellensburg against the Washington State University Cougars. The Cougars are just coming off a victory of their own against University of Idaho, so the Wildcats will have their hands full.

"The upcoming game is going to be a very good match. WSU is a very strong team and we will have to work hard this week and make sure that we stick to our game plan," Ralston said.

The rugby team plays their home games on the north field.