NORTH CANTON, OH: The Cavaliers, ranked 3rd nationally in the NCR, faced off against Atlantic Coast Rugby Conference leaders and division rivals, St. Bonaventure, who hold the No. 1 spot. The match up lived up to its billing, showcasing high-level rugby as both sides battled fiercely to a hard-fought draw.

It took just 15 minutes for the first points to appear on the board after the Cavs were penalized at the ruck for being off their feet. St. Bonaventure capitalized on the opportunity, slotting the penalty to take an early 3–0 lead. The Bonnies soon found themselves 10 meters out from the Cavs' try line, and through a series of powerful pick-and-go phases, they crossed for the game's first try. The successful conversion extended their lead to 10–0. The Cavs responded in typical fashion, using their physical defense to force a Bonnies penalty 40 meters out, directly in front of the posts. Elliot McKinney stepped up and calmly converted, putting the Cavs on the board.

As the first half progressed, the Cavs earned another penalty just outside the Bonnies' 22 meters. Once again, McKinney was flawless, narrowing the gap to 10–6. Just before halftime, the Bonnies were awarded a scrum 15 meters from the Cavs' try line. They moved the ball quickly down the blindside and finished in the corner for an unconverted try, taking a 15–6 lead into the break.

The second half demanded grit and focus from the Cavs, and they rose to the challenge. Their relentless physicality forced the Bonnies into conceding four consecutive penalties, all of which McKinney coolly converted. With 20 minutes remaining, the score was level at 18–18. In the 61st minute, the Cavs were awarded another penalty and, for the first time in the match, chose to kick for the corner. The line out was secured cleanly, and the forwards launched a powerful maul that drove over the line. Senior, Matthew Cooper, grounded the ball for a converted try, giving the Cavs their first lead of the day at 25–18. With just five minutes remaining, the Bonnies earned a penalty deep in Walsh territory and opted for a line out of their own. The Cavs successfully stopped the initial maul, but after several hard carries, the Bonnies managed to punch through and score. The successful conversion tied the game at 25–25 with a minute and a half to play. Neither side could break the deadlock in the closing moments, and the match ended in a draw.

The result keeps the Cavaliers unbeaten at home and moves their record to 3-1-1 on the season. The Maroon and Gold return to action on Saturday, October 11, at 1 p.m. on Larry Staudt Field for a conference clash against Kutztown.

FOR THE CAVS 

• Elliot McKinney - 6 Penalties, 2 Conversions - 18 Points (54)
• Matthew Cooper – 1 try – 5 Points (5)