Seawolves Kick Off 2020 with Championship Rings and a Shut Out at Starfire

After receiving their 2019 Champion rings during an on pitch ceremony before the match, the Seattle Seawolves shut out the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide in their first exhibition match of the 2020 season, 55-0. The Tide fought hard but, were no match for the impressive speed and physicality of the Seawolves.

FIRST HALF:

The Seattle Seawolves started their season strong with a try from Riekert Hattingh during the first three minutes of play. Returner Tim Metcher and new
signs, Harry Davies and Ross Neal also touched down in the first half of play giving the Seawolves an early lead. Still on the attack, Mat Turner charged
down the pitch and dished it to Neal, bring the Seawolves closer to the try line. A sheet of hail began falling and a scrum ensued. A blocked kick
from the notorious Seawall resulted in a turnover. A technical scrum led to a penalty try for another 7 points, bringing the score to 29-0. Stephan
Coetzee topped off the half with another try, bringing the Seawolves’ lead to 36-0 with Brock Staller and Ben Cima splitting kicking duties.

SECOND HALF:

Fresh legs from both sides brought new energy back to the field for the second half. The Seawolves found the try line early, eight man Hattingh earning
another 5 points. Cima slotted an extra 2 from the sideline boosting the home teams lead. The Tide roared back with attacking phases of play, but
backfield coverage and try-saving tackles prevented Vancouver Island from putting any points on the board. Seattle regained possession and marched
up the field with patient offense saw Scott Dean kick through to Siti Tamaivena for his debut try. Back on the front foot, the Seawolves weren’t
letting up and former NFL linebacker Joey Iosefa muscled his way over for his try for the club. With plenty to prove the Tide didn’t let up and
dominated the last minutes of possession, but couldn’t overcome Seattle’s famous defense. Cima nudged a flopped Tide kick out of bounds to end
the game. The final score was 55-0, Seawolves. 

NEXT HUNT:

The Seawolves’ exhibition campaign continues next Sunday, January 26 when they take on New Zealand’s Tasman Mako, the current Mitre 10 Cup winners,
in a clash of champions at Starfire Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30pm PT. Tickets are available at www.seattleseawolves.com.