WHEELING, W. Va. -- The Belmont Abbey rugby team opened Atlantic Rugby Conference play with a 26-20 victory over Wheeling Saturday afternoon at Bishop Schmitt Field. The contest featured two of the top teams in the ARC with both teams in the final eight of the National Collegiate Rugby 15s Championship last fall.

With the victory, Belmont Abbey improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in league play. Saturday's contest was the season opener for the Cardinals.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Harry Tu'isila made four penalty kicks and two conversions for 16 points
• Sam Patch and Marcos Angjelinic each had tries.
• Belmont Abbey trailed 3-0 at halftime, but rolled to a 26-13 lead before Wheeler scored on the final play of the game.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey plays St. Bonaventure in its home opener on September 19. 
• The contest is scheduled for a noon start from Alumni Field.