Wayne State returns to the NCR D3 (previously Small College) final after a close loss to Babson in 2023.
The Wildcats unleashed their pace and intent early to score eight tries, running out to a 22-0 lead over Colorado School of Mines and cruised to a 46-15 win.
Mines hung touch early and it was only 10-0 midway through the first half. Wayne State got the one early try thanks to a full eightman shove off the scrum with No. 8 Francisco Rolon picking up and putting it down. Logan Stevens converted that try and added a penalty goal, but Mines hung tough and in fact were close to scoring themselves in the opening quarter.
Slowly, though, Wayne State's overall speed and their ascendancy in the scrum began to tell. Defensive pressure and a good counter by center Asante Rikhotso got them close. Mines got a scrum but were forced into a penalty and from the ensuing lineout lock Bredna Kruska powered over from five meters out. The Wildcats followed that on with a huge break up the middle by tighthead prop Trent Draper. Some excellent support from several players, including Rolon, flanker Tshidiso Letsoalo, and Kruska. Quick work from that trio set up a charge by flanker Diego Stefani and suddenly it was 22-0.
Mines finally did get some points from a penalty goal, but a quick pickup and try from scrumhalf Ben Donnelly extended the lead to 27-3. A brilliant kick and chase and recover by fullback Zane Sokolowski finally got Mines a try, but again the Wildcats kept the scoreboard pressure going, with a brilliant run from wing Ayabo Mlobeli.On the other wing, Max Burke capped off a period of broken play and now it was 41-10 with about 16 minutes to go. Latitha Marah added to that after center Vuyo Mdlalose ghosted through a gap.
Mines finished off with a try from Nils Jerger on a quick tap. But Wayne State had a fairly convincing 46-15 win thanks to their superb set piece and excellent support running for their speedsters.
