WHEELING, W.Va(Sept.5) - After a postponed match vs Thomas Moore paused the season opener for the Wheeling Cardinals Men's Rugby team a week ago. The Cardinals were able to hoist the banner for three straight CRC's seasons before today's contest vs the Belmont Abbey Crusaders.

The first 20 minutes, both squads were getting good pressure defensively. The Cardinals were able to strike first within the 33rd minute on a converted Drop Try making it 3-0.

However, Belmont Abbey would respond right away in the second half on a completed Try to take a 7-3 lead.

The Crusaders later converted Drop Try and a completed Try, extending the lead 17-3.

After Belmont Abbey converted on a Penalty Kick to go up 20-3, Wheeling answered back on a Drop Try and a completed Try of their own to cut the lead to 20-13.

The comeback did however fall short as the Crusaders added two more Drop Try's to cap off the victory over the Cardinals. Winning by the score 26-20.

Wheeling will be back in action on the road in Bloomington, IN to take on the University of Indiana Hoosiers.