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Raptors Defeat Seawolves in a Battle of Heavyweights

Photo: Steven Seiller – Summit Lights Photography

Raptors Defeat Seawolves in a Battle of Heavyweights

By: Colton Strickler, MLR Correspondent

The Glendale Raptors took their 1-0 record to the Pacific Northwest for a rain-soaked slugfest against the Seattle Seawolves on Saturday night.

In front of a sold-out crowd at Starfire Sports Complex and under the pouring rain, the Raptors (2-0) made the most of their chances and were able to defeat a strong Seawolves (1-1) side by a score of 19-15.

It was apparent what kind of match it was going to be early on. With arguably two of the strongest packs in Major League Rugby, it was going to be settled by the forwards, and it was up to each side’s backline to put their forwards in a position to succeed. The Raptors did that by exploiting the space behind Seattle’s line.

“We spoke all week about winning the physicality,” Raptors’ forwards’ coach Ted Browner said via text message. “We need to do that to allow us to play our pattern.”

Any time Glendale fly-half Will Magie or fullback Maximo De Achaval had the opportunity to kick, they took it and were able to keep the field positioning in their favor as a result. According to Seawolves’ scrumhalf Phil Mack, Glendale’s ability to stay organized and catch Seattl