The Union Titans repeated as Oregon single-school champions last week, defeating the Portland Pumas 49-38 in the final.

It was a dramatic and difficult final for Union as they had defeated Portland fairly easily in the regular season. But since then the Pumas had improved markedly, and studied Union enough to cause them some real problems.

Union, for their part, had participated in the Pacific Cup, going 1-2 and, as their coaches and players said, learning a great deal. The rugby boost they gained from that tournament, however, was tempered by a few injuries sustained or aggravated at the event in San Francisco. Still, the Pacific Cup experience would have its payoff.

Union ran out to an early 14-0 lead with tries from Manu Sene and Brendon Curle. Portland replied with a try and two penalties to make it 14-11 before fullback Austin Lewis ran in a crucial try to make it 21-11 at the break.

Lewis was a huge factor for Union. He had missed the last few weeks due to a concussion. Those were important games, but he was, of course, rested while he recovered. Back healthy and cleared to play, the fullback countered effectively all day lone.

But Portland would not go away. Whenever Union scores, the Pumas scored. Union never trailed, and yet they couldn't shake their rivals.

"Playing in the Pacific Cup taught us a lot about poise and how to handle tough games," said Union Head Coach David Curle. "We were able to stay on task."

Rees Alferd, Curle, Chris Berry, and Lewis again all scored for Union. And, crucially, center Avery Longrie converted all seven tries, a 14-point bonus that more than covered the 11-point difference between the two teams. Scrumhalf Max Burchett was named the player of the game, but there were several special performances. Curle played hurt, Lewis was critical in his work at fullback, and, as stated, Longrie's kicking was a big factor.

Video of the final (if you don't see embedded video, please refresh the page)