Arrows Too Sharp on the Road, Seawolves Fall to Undefeated Toronto

Tukwila, Washington – Despite another full 80 minutes of effort from Seattle, the Seawolves were unable to take down the Northern visitors at home. Toronto remain undefeated after overtaking the Seawolves, 39-17.  

FIRST HALF:

Another sold out crowd at Starfire Sports brought the noise as Seattle finally returned home for week three of Major League Rugby. Toronto drew first blood
by way of a Seattle penalty, allowing Arrows Fullback Sam Malcolm to slot a penalty kick, 3-0 Toronto. Seattle responded back with an attacking effort
led by Fullback Mat Turner and Wing Brock Staller before Nakai Penny got dragged out of bounds. Toronto was able to relieve some pressure by kicking
to touch for a Seattle line out. The Seawolves were back on the hunt as the Arrows were pinged for a penalty that led to a yellow card. A similar run
from Turner allowed him to find a soft gap in the Arrows’ defensive line for a try. Staller converted for two more points, 7-3 Seattle. Following the
restart, Seattle was called for offsides and allowed Toronto another shot at the uprights for points. Malcolm slotted the kick, 7-6 Seattle. A poor
kickoff gave Toronto a midfield scrum and added to their momentum, as multiple phases of plays ended in an Arrows’ forward try. Kick was good as Toronto
took the lead at the 34 minute mark, 7-13 Toronto. Back and forth kicking and handling errors from both sides absorbed the final six minutes of the
half, as Turner caught an Arrows attacking kick and carried the ball out of bounds to end the half.

SECOND HALF:

Seattle was able to notch another three points after a Toronto penalty shortly after the kickoff. Staller was successful, 10-13 Toronto. A scrum error
by the Seawolves gave Toronto some breathing room and sharpshooter Malcolm the chance to add three more, 10-16 Toronto. The Arrows were able to collect
the restart and the sir penalized Seattle once again to give Malcolm yet another shot at goal. The kick was good from the 45 meter mark, 10-19 Toronto.
Seattle kicked off to Toronto once again, and after attacking play by the visiting team, Seattle was called for a no-wrap tackle penalty. Malcolm was
ready to add another kick to the scoresheet, 10-22 Toronto. An attempt to kick off deep and pin Toronto in their back field rolled out the back of
the try zone, bringing the ball back to the half for an Arrows scrum. Toronto ended up with a line out after a series of kicks, ending in a forward
try as Toronto touched the ball down at the base of the goal post pad. Kick was good, 10-29 Toronto. Seattle dug a deeper hole as another disciplinary
call went against them and Malcolm slotted three more points outside the Seattle 40 meter, 10-32 Toronto. High pressure off a high kickoff almost led
to a much-needed Seattle try but the sir called it back for a knock on. Toronto scrum. The Arrows marched down field but Wing Siti Tamaivena stripped
the ball and sprinted 80 meters before getting caught by lone Arrow defender. A loose pass ended up back in Toronto’s possession and they were able
to kick to touch to slow down the play. More kicking between both sides as Arrows looked to run out the clock allowed Seattle back into Arrows territory
and attempted to score. The sir deemed it a knock on and awarded Toronto a scrum on their five meters. Seattle stormed back and stole the ball in the
scrum as captain and Eight-man Riekert Hattingh dove over for the first Seattle point of the second half. Scott Dean was good for another two, 17-32
Toronto at the 78’. Arrows kicked off deep to smother offensive options while Seattle looked to play the ball out of their own end instead of kicking
up field. A pass ended up on the ground, allowing Arrows’ Captain Dan Moor the chance to scoop and score. Malcolm converted his final kick of the evening,
17-39 Toronto.

NEXT HUNT:

The Seattle Seawolves welcome the New England Free Jacks to Seattle on February 29 in the two clubs’ first meeting. Seattle looks to collect their first
regular season win of the season in week 4. The match will be broadcast on ROOT SPORTS regionally and ESPN+ domestically while international viewers
can tune in to Major League Rugby’s Facebook at 7:00 pm PST. Tickets for the match can be purchased at www.seattleseawolves.com.