WHEELING, WV: The Walsh University Men's Rugby team made their Atlantic Coast Rugby Conference (ACRC) debut last Saturday as they traveled to Bishop Schmitt Field to face Wheeling. In their first-ever ACRC contest, the Cavaliers built an early lead and held off a late Wheeling comeback attempt to secure a 26-24 victory. With the Cardinals threatening inside the 20-meter mark in the closing moments, Walsh's defense stood strong to earn a statement win in their conference opener.
The Cavaliers showed their composure in their first ACRC match after conceding an early try just three minutes in, when Wheeling capitalized off a kick return to take a 5-0 lead. Walsh responded quickly, turning Cardinal mistakes into opportunities. A Wheeling penalty in the 11th minute allowed Junior, Elliot McKinney, to slot a penalty kick and cut the deficit to 5-3. The Cavaliers' defensive pressure continued to pay off, and in the 22nd minute McKinney pounced again on an errant pass, intercepting the ball just inside Walsh's own half. He raced 65 meters to score under the posts, and with the successful conversion, Walsh surged ahead 10-5 for their first-ever ARC lead.
Walsh continued to build momentum in the 29th minute as Elliot McKinney calmly slotted his second penalty kick of the day, extending the Cavaliers' advantage to 13-5. The Cavaliers looked to push further ahead, but Wheeling's defense tightened in the closing stages of the half. The Cardinals forced two turnovers, including one in the 39th minute that proved costly as it lead to a well worked converted try to see out the first half, 13-12 to the Cavs.
The Cavaliers came out of the halftime break determined to turn their hard work into points, and their relentless effort paid off. The Cavs pack was awarded a scrum penalty right in Wheeling red zone which gave Elliot McKinney another opportunity from the tee, and he coolly slotted it through to extend Walsh's lead to 16-12. The Cavaliers kept pressing with confidence, using their powerful ball carriers and physical style to break down the Wheeling defense. In the 49th minute, that pressure was rewarded as Walsh strung together strong runs before Senior, Tanner Smith, powered his way into the corner for a well-earned try which was successfully converted. Elliot McKinney added another penalty kick just three minutes later, and with 28 minutes left, the Cavaliers held a commanding 26-12 advantage.
In the closing stages, Wheeling looked to mount a comeback and capitalized on a Walsh mistake in the midfield, springing their winger for a try that cut into the Cavaliers' advantage. The Cardinals struck again in the 74th minute off a quick tap penalty, but the missed conversion kept Walsh in front at 26-24. With the game hanging in the balance in the final minute, the Cavaliers' defense stood tall. Sophomore Josh Groudle produced the play of the match, making a brilliant game-saving tackle that forced Wheeling into touch. That defensive stand sealed a historic moment as Walsh earned their first-ever ACRC victory, showcasing grit, determination, and teamwork from start to finish.
The Walsh Caverliers will return to Larry Staudt Field on Friday, September 26th, at 4:30pm to kick off the Marron and Gold weekend in an out of conference game against Davenport University.
FOR THE CAVS:
- Elliot McKenney led the team with 1 try, 2 conversions, and 4 penalty kicks, totaling 21 points
- Tanner Smith had 1 try
