Seawolves Win over New York Ironworkers in Week 1

TUKWILA WA (February 18, 2023) – The Seattle Seawolves hosted the New York in the first match of the Major League Rugby 2023 Season. After falling to the New York in the MLR Championship in 2022, the Seawolves were out to prove that they are a formidable contender this season.  The Seawolves came out with a win 25 to 11 after a hard fought, physical contest.

• 18 kicking points scored by Jordan Chait in his MLR debut, with the final try (7pts) scored in the last three minutes of the match by Duncan Matthews.
• Seattle’s ‘Seawall’ defense was back in full form, holding the New York to a single try and one penalty kick.

Key Plays:

• 1:30min Seawolves turnover leads to 70m gain with Martin Iosefo’s run and kick recovered by Duncan Matthews.
• 3min Jordan Chait penalty conversion 3-0
• 12min Jordan Chait penalty conversion 6-0
• 21min Jordan Chait penalty conversion 9-3
• 25min Reikert Hattingh turnover
• 27min 30m counterattack by Matthews and Iosefo
• 30min dominant tackle by Reikert Hattingh to cause fumble by NY
• 32min Tavite Lopeti crushing try saving tackle on NY 11 into touch for turnover
• 35’ Tavite Lopeti tackle into touch for turnover
• 39’ Tavite lopeti crushing tackle to force turnover

HALFTIME

• 46min Jordan Chait penalty conversion 12-11
• 49min strong defensive scrum leads to heavy pressure on d that forces turnover from NY penalty
• 54min phase defensive stance before Ryno Herbst steal for turnover
• 65min Jordan Chait penalty conversion 15-11
• 73min Jordan Chait penalty conversion from long and wide 18-11
• 77min Jordan Chait kick through in NY 10’ picked up by Duncan Matthews under the sticks for try 25-11

The Seattle Seawolves have a quick turnaround into Week 2, hosting Rugby ATL at Starfire Stadium Friday, February 24 at 7:30 PM. The match will be broadcast on ROOT SPORTS regionally and streamed online on The Rugby Network. Half-season memberships, single match tickets, and group tickets are on sale now at www.tickets.seawolves.rugby.