The University of Washington Huskies defeated Washington State 29-12 to close out the NCRC regular season.

UW also took bragging rights in the Apple Cup rivalry game. But more important is that Washington now has a home semifinal game against those same WSU Cougars next week.

It was a perfect day for rugby, and the Huskies started the stronger. Within seven minutes of the kickoff prop QueVeon Jenkins went over and Jack Stimson converted for a 7-0 lead. Possession went back and forth over the next 20 minutes until the Huskies struck again, this time with fullback Grady Poulson, and Stimson's kick made it 14-0. The Cougars replied with a try to make it 14-5, but the Huskies responded in kind. Right before halftime, some nice ball movement put center Nick Gadbaw through, and he powered through for the try and a 19-5 lead.

During the first half the Cougars were committing numbers into the breakdown and it was effective disruption when the ball was slow coming out. As the second half got under way they committed fewer at the breakdown and the Huskies were more efficient in getting the ball out quickly, With scrumhalf Peter Harrison running the attack nicely, UW put WSU under pressure, but their defense was solid. WSU had their moments, and the Cougars were awarded a penalty try, which they converted, to make it a 19-12 ballgame.

But Washington finished the strong. UW went down a man due to a yellow card, but managed to score regardless, and back at full strength the Huskies put it away.

Gadbaw was trouble for WSU all day and earned Man of the Match honors.

Here is the final standings table for the NCRC:

So next week, Western Washington hosts Oregon, and Washington hosts Washington State. At stake in the playoffs will be a place in the national DIAA playoff tournament.