Wheeling, W. Va. - The fall season is beginning to wind down, but the race for the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) playoffs is heating up. On Saturday, the Wheeling University Rugby team (3-4, 2-2) host their final regular season match of 2022 when they take on Adrian College with kick-off at 1 PM. There is a lot on the line for the Cardinals heading into this final home match, as a win would earn them a spot in the Big Rivers Rugby Conference (BRRC) playoff tournament and a chance to earn a spot in the NCR 15's playoffs. 

Last time out, the Cardinals played tough against Iowa Central Community College, in a rematch of the 2021 NCR Rhino Rugby Bowl, and came out on top with a 38-26 win. The Cardinals got things going early on when Krishna Kwenda pushed across his team leading seventh try of the season, but Iowa Central responded quickly and made the conversion kick to take a 7-5 lead. Wheeling's Aaron Juma got his team back in front with a try and the Cardinals never looked back leading 26-12 by the end of the first 40 minutes. In the second half, it was more of the same as Juma once again began the scoring and another Wheeling try from Lawula Bata ended the afternoon. Iowa Central added two more tries before the afternoon was done, but Wheeling held on to win 38-26. 

The leader of the Wheeling offense in that game, and over the last three weeks has been freshman Aaron Juma. Juma joined the team during the Marian game and has taken off scoring four tries over those three games. His best performance came against the Tartans, when he scored the first multi-try game of his career. He scored the go-ahead try in the first half and got the offense going once again in the second. He now has four tries on the year and sits second on the team in tries this season. He uses his size and his speed to his advantage as he can power through tackles while also having the ability to race down the sidelines. He will play a key role over these final two weeks as the team tries to clinch a spot in the 15's playoffs. 

Another name who hasn't always been on the scoring sheet but has played a crucial role is Chief Chipfumbu. While he isn't getting the big break away runs that he did a year ago, Chipfumbu has been playing the role of Flyhalf and picking up several assists throughout the year. Well, on Saturday, he finally broke through with that first try of the season, picking up the third score of the day. Mohamed Haddar also has been limited since that first game of the year but broke through with his second try. Both were leaders on last season's run to the national stage and both will look to get things going as this year's team tries to return to that national spotlight. 

As the season comes down to the final BRRC match of the season, the race for the top three spots is closer than ever. Thomas More currently sits as the #1 seed at 5-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. Behind them, it is a three team toss up for the final two playoff spots. Adrian currently sits in second at 4-2, 3-2 and Marian is tied with Wheeling at 4-2, 2-2. The Cardinals can move up at least one spot with a win and possibly two spots if Marian loses to Thomas More this weekend. The final two playoff spots are there for the taking and the Cardinals are hoping to be one of the teams that takes one of the two spots. 

The Matchup 

The Cardinals and Bulldogs will be meeting for the second time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 1-0. However, this will be the first time the two teams meet in 15's play after their first match was in 7's play at the Allegheny Rugby Union Conference Championships last season. This will also be the first meeting between the two teams in Wheeling as the Cardinals look to welcome the Bulldogs to Bishop Schmitt Field. 

Last season, the two met in the Allegheny Rugby Union Championship, with the Cardinals winning the match 26-12. The Cardinals got out to an early lead in that game and rode that success from there as they claimed their first conference championship. They are looking for a similar result as they take the field on Saturday. 

The Details 

Kick-off for Saturday's match is scheduled for 1 PM at Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the contest live by clicking HERE.