The NCRC playoffs are set for February 29 after this past weekend's results, and the key mover is the University of Oregon.

After losing to Western Washington in the fall, the Ducks were chasing the Vikings for 1st in the NCRC Pool A. But Western's early-season loss to Oregon State left the door open for Oregon to get 1st, and therefore a home game in the semis.

But Oregon needed to get the job done in the last two weeks, and did so, beating Oregon State 19-15, and this past week beat Western Washington 18-12. In that game, Oregon scored with 20 minutes to go to make it 13-12, and then sealed it with a try at the end of the game. That ended the regular season with Oregon at 5-1 and WWU at 4-2.

"It was a really good overall team effort," said Oregon Head Coach Pate Tuisa, who credited his halfback pairing of Dominic Scarpino and Gwyn Watkin for keeping the team on an even keel throughout.

But more than that, "we are a much better team now," said Tuisa. "We have been trying to find the right chemistry. We're very young, and still learning."

Tuisa started four freshmen against Western Washington, and he had five more on the bench. It has been strong recruiting among freshmen, most of whom have rugby experience, tha has sparked the team.

"They understand that you need trust to play together," said Tuisa.