In Bridgeview, Illinois, 30 minutes from the Chicago Loop, the clash between the Seattle Seawolves and Chicago Hounds unfolded with much at stake. Both teams were eager to rebound after facing defeats the previous weekend, and our veteran Captain Riekert Hattingh was back in action.

The weather, while chilly with wind impacting the kicking game, was a marked improvement from the last time these teams met in the 2023 season. That encounter was disrupted and ultimately called at halftime due to lightning strikes. This recent match, however, lived up to the high expectations, offering a display of competitive rugby from the opening whistle to the final play. The Hounds, in retrospect, might have hoped for another lightning intervention.

Chicago took command in the first half, launching the opening try within minutes, then scoring another three to earn a bonus point for tallying four tries or more before halftime. However, it was the Seawolves that showed resilience and mettle, responding by closing in the first half with two tries of their own from Jade Stighling (’33) and Mack Mason (’39).

The first half was marked by aggressive play from both teams, with each squad losing a player to the sin bin for yellow cards. To the fan still learning the rugby terminology, the “sin-bin” refers to a temporary sideline seating for penalized players, where they spend ten minutes before being allowed back into the game (Rugby World).

Halftime Score: Seawolves 12 – Hounds 26

The second half saw a determined Seawolves defense preventing any further scores from the Hounds and adding two more tries of their own from birthday boy JP Smith and playmaker Sam Windsor.

The match’s decisive moment came with Toni Pulu crossing the try line in the last minute, allowing the Seawolves to score an additional 7 points with a converted try to take the score to 34 – 26 in the final minute.

Both teams ended with a bonus point for scoring four or more tries.

The Seawolves are set to return home this week to go up against the Dallas Jackals, with the event featuring our KIDS NIGHT theme. Don’t miss out on an action-packed evening, complete with a curtain raiser, the Run With The Pack Youth camp, and a halftime egg hunt!

Grab your tickets here!