Utah Valley University logged another victory with a 40-24 defeat of Central Washington Thursday night in Orem, UT.

UVU has defeated Air Force, Utah, and Colorado State, but was beaten by over 90 by Cal and had a match abandoned against BYU, and has struggled to get D1A rankings traction due to those first two wins being vacated due to use of an ineligible player.

So this week's clash had much riding on it. UVU is ranked 33rd by FloRugby, and CWU #25. D1A Rugby's overall rankings do not have Utah Valley in the top 20, and Central Washington at #13.

The teams started slowly, and Central led 7-0 after Cole Zarcone went over for a try, converted by Reuben Ludick. But then UVU No. 8 Sesi Talanoa started powering through tacklers, and in the space of 12 minutes UVU went over three times to lead 19-7.

Two more tries made it 33-7 at the break.

Central came back, of course, and scored three times in the final 30 minutes to make it closer.

"Tough day at the office as we shot ourselves in the foot in the first half," said CWU head coach Todd Thornley. "Second half improved, however we just struggled to finish opportunities. Saturday is another opportunity so we must move forward."

"Central Washington made some great subs in the beginning of the second half and put us under a lot of pressure for the last 30 minutes," said UVU head coach Adam Griffee. "But I have an amazing team, and we are 85% sophomores and freshman."

Jonathan Lokotui, Zak Barker, and Kinitoni Falatau have all been solid for UVU.