Washington, DC. – After a rainy day in Washington DC on day one of the Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRC) 7's National Tournament, better weather was on the horizon for day two. The Wheeling University Rugby team (29-8) entered the day looking to continue their run towards the program's first ever National Championship. The day started off strong with the Cardinals beating Thomas More in the Second Round 22-0, but their championship run ended in the Quarterfinals as they fell to Mount St. Mary's 7-5 in a defensive battle.

Game One: Wheeling 22, Thomas More 0

Although they did not know who their second round opponent would be to start the day, the Cardinals quickly found our they would be battling Big Rivers Rugby Conference (BRRC) opponent Thomas More. It was the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Wheeling taking the first meeting 10-5. Both teams came out hot on defense in the first half, with the first two tries for both teams ending in stops. Wheeling drove down inside the Saints 20-Meter line on their second possessions but was unable to push the ball into the try zone. After forcing a Saints turnover just seconds before the seven minute mark, Wheeling got the ball back and got it to Aaron Juma, who crossed the try line for the first score of the day.

The Cardinals held a 5-0 lead at halftime before the Cardinals began to put their speed to use. It came first in the way of Mohamed Haddar, who used his speed to get up the sideline and in the try zone. It was his second score of the tournament. The conversion kick sailed through to make it a 12-0 game and that score would set the Cardinals off and running. On their next possession, it was power that got the Cardinals across the line as Chief Chipfumbu got the ball inside the five-meter line. He would pitch it out to Michael Muleya, who took it the rest of the way to make it a 19-0 Cardinal lead. The final try came when Haddar' broke off another run. He would fight his way through tacklers before finding Joe Iye for the final try to bring the score to its final at 22-0.

It was a big first game for Mohamed Haddar, who scored a try and assisted on another to lead the offense. It was his second try of the tournament as he continues to use his speed as a weapon. Aaron Juma would also push across his second try of the tournament after getting his team's scoring started in the first half. Michael Muleya added his first try of the tournament while Joe Iye also got on the board with his first try. After Mount St. Mary beat Adrian the game before, Wheeling would take on the Mount in the CRC 7'S Quarterfinals.

Game Two: Mount St. Mary's 7, Wheeling 5

The Cardinals had been a strong defensive team throughout the tournament, but their Quarterfinal opponent had been just as good. Neither team had allowed a point yet in the tournament and both defenses were on display in the first half. Both teams were stopped on their first few possessions and Wheeling would have the first scoring opportunity. Mohamed Haddar would sprint up the sidelines and got across the try line, but he hadn't touched the ball down. He was trying to get closer to the posts to set up an easier conversion kick, however, he was pushed out the back line creating a turnover. By halftime, neither team has gotten in the board and it sat at 0-0 as the teams broke. 

Mount St. Mary came out in the second half and took advantage on their first possession. They broke through the Cardinal's defense and made it a 7-0 Mount lead. As time was ticking off the clock, the Cardinals drove down inside the 20-Meter line and were looking to break through. Aaron Juma would find an outside lane and dove for the flag. He was able to touch the ball down in the try zone and made it a 7-5 game. The conversion kick had the distance, but ended up missing wide as the Cardinals still trailed 7-5. The Cardinals would have one more possession thanks to a late ruck, but the Mount St. Mary defense proved to be too much. The Cardinals fell out of the championship bracket with a 7-5 loss that moved them to the fifth place match.

Aaron Juma scored the only try of the day, his third of the tournament, as he continues to find success. They now move to the fifth place game, but will have to see if they get the opportunity to play it defending on how the weather holds up.

The NCR will update on the status of the fifth place games in the next few hours and we will update you once we find out.