Tukwila, WA – On a crisp Sunday afternoon, the Seattle Seawolves would win a gritty contest against the Toronto Arrows. Toronto would hang around until 64 minutes in, when Ross Neal would take an interception nearly the entire length of the field for a try. “Rumbling Ross” would put the finishing touches on a satisfying season opening win.
The match would start out quickly, as the Seawolves were able to capitalize on a penalty just four minutes in, as AJ Alatimu would convert the first of his three penalty kicks. Penalties would be the name of the game in this one, as the Arrows got all of their points off of them. Their first points came off of a penalty kick, and their only try of the match came in the corner of the try zone. It would not be enough for Toronto to overcome Seattle, who showed strong defense and an ability to take advantage of what the opposition gave them.
There were some significant stories in this match. Firstly, the Seawolves would play their 50th match in major league rugby. The versatile Duncan Matthews would score a try in his Seawolves debut. Seattle would open up the season with a win against the team that they beat in the semi-final of the 2019 playoffs, on the way to their 2019 MLR title win. Perhaps most importantly, the Seawolves opened up this year with a win as they hope to get back to the playoffs after two disappointing seasons.
Duncan Matthews scores a try in his Seawolves debut
With the win on the 6th of February, Seattle sits at third in the MLR Western conference, currently behind San Diego and Austin. The Seawolves next matchup is February 10th against the Utah Warriors, who fell to San Diego by two points in their last game. Seattle’s matchup with Utah kicks off at 7:30PM.
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