NA Rugby Database

Recap

The MLR-leading Seattle Seawolves travel across the country to face the Eastern Conference-leading New England Free Jacks in the clash of the Conference Leaders!

The Seawolves took the first points of the game early through the boot of Mack Mason, before Wayne van der Bank struck back with the first try of the afternoon to give the Free Jacks the lead. Both sides struggled to find consistent possession through the first half, but the Seawolves kept the scoreboard rolling with 3 penalty kicks, followed by a Dan Kriel try on the stroke of half time to give the visitors a 7-14 lead at the break.

The second half was a different story. Although it took 13 minutes, the Seawolves scored twice in quick succession through Kara Pryor on his Season and Seawolf debut, and captain Riekert Hattingh tearing down the wing, to rattle the hosts and take a 7-26 lead. The Free Jacks wouldn’t roll over however, and began to find their feet as the game entered the final quarter. The hosts were awarded a penalty try with 12 minutes to go, and Joe Taufete’e was given a yellow card to boot. Kaleb Geiger found a gap in the line for the former NY prop to show surprising speed 4 minutes later, which Potroz converted to bring the Free Jacks within 8. In possession and attacking once more with the clock in the red, the hosts attempted to score 1 more try to secure both bonus points, but it wasn’t to be as the ball was intercepted and the game ended.

The Seattle Seawolves stay atop of MLR, and win the 2024 iteration of the ‘Coffee Cup’, a trophy contested annually between the Seattle Seawolves (Starbucks) and the New England Free Jacks (Dunkin’ Donuts).