SEAWOLVES DEFEAT ELITE AND SECURE MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY PLAYOFF SPOT

On Sunday, June 2 at 5:00 PM PT the Seawolves kicked off their final regular season game of 2019. The Seawolves played in front of another sold out crowd at Starfire Stadium, just like every single home game thus far in the team’s history. By defeating Austin Elite, the Seawolves secured a playoff spot for the Major League Rugby Championship Series and won home field advantage. The Seawolves now head to a win or die round on Sunday, June 9 at 6:00 PM PT at Starfire Stadium. If they win, the Seawolves continue the hunt to defend their title in the MLR Championship game on Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 PM PT.

KICK OFF: Sunday, June 2 at 5:00 PM PT

The Seawolves received the ball to start the game and charged their way to an early try by Djustice Sears-Duru. Brock Staller converted the first kick of the night to take the lead, 7-0. Austin Elite built up their own offensive energy and answered back with a try and conversion, game was tied at 7-7 at minute 13.

20 MINUTES:

The Seawolves won a scrum, drew the penalty, and Staller took another kick for three more points, 10-7. Riekert Hattingh pulled off the back of a Seawolves scrum and passed wide to Brad Tucker who dove his way in for a try. Staller’s third kick of the night was good, 17-7 with six minutes left in the half. The Seawolves began to find their rhythm late in the first half as a long run by Jeff Hassler led to an offload to Tucker who charged in for his second try of the evening. Staller’s fourth conversion was good, 24-7 with the Seawolves well in the lead as they entered halftime.

40 MINUTES:

The Seawolves did it again with a dominate scrum that allowed Hattingh to peel off the back and have an easy route to a score under the posts. Staller converted once again, 31-7. The fourth try gave the Seawolves a bonus point, which raised them to second place in MLR standings and secured a home field advantage for playoffs.

60 MINUTES:

A steady string of phases led the ball to Jeff Hassler to dot down a try out wide. Staller was able to convert the wide angle for bonus points, 38-7 Seawolves at minute 65. Austin Elite found their way through the Seawall for a try but were unable to convert, 38-12. Playing for pride, the Elite were able to string together additional phases and found their way to a try again at minute 71. The kick was good, 38-19. With only two minutes remaining, Austin was emptying the tank and touched down for another try and conversion with quick play, 38-26. After the restart, the Seawall held strong to finish out the game.

FINAL SCORE:

Seawolves defeat Austin Elite, 38-26, and secure spot in MLR Playoffs.

NEXT HUNT:

By defeating Austin Elite, the Seawolves secured a playoff spot for the Major League Rugby Championship Series and won the home field advantage. The Seawolves now head to a win or die round on Sunday, June 9 at 6:00 PM PT at Starfire Stadium, airing on CBS Sports Network. If they win, the Seawolves continue the hunt to defend their title in the MLR Championship game on Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 PM PT, which will air on CBS.

Media Contact:

Alicia Richardson

Alicia@seattleseawolves.com

425-679-1138