Written by Joe Harvey
After the Eliminator Round, the Seattle Seawolves and Old Glory DC progress to the Conference Finals.
Seattle overcame the Houston SaberCats, while DC knocked out current champions, the New York Ironworkers, to progress further in the playoffs.
Both were scintillating matchups, and MLR Correspondent, Joe Harvey, watched on as the action unfolded.
WESTERN ELIMINATOR #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/5sRH6QdMTY
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) June 24, 2023
Gideon van Wyk was the next to benefit from Houston’s kicking play. Finding holes to attack, the Seawolves failed to gather a chip through from Gerrie Labuschagne, the powerful No.8 dragging defenders with him to score.
To arrest their second-half slide, Seattle’s captain, Riekert Hattingh, dotted down with just over 10 minutes to play.
Hattingh was involved in JP Smith’s late try for the home side too. Benefitting from loose Houston hands, Lopeti Aisea flung the ball to Jeremiah Sio, who in turn found Rhyno Herbst before Hattingh got in on the act.
Following the captain being dragged to the floor, the quick thinking of Smith saw him pluck the ball from the turf and race over to score.
Van der Schyff would put a full stop to proceedings with a late score for the SaberCats, the effort ultimately in vain, with the game beyond doubt.
What a game! @SeawolvesRugby have secured a spot in the MLR Western Conference Final next Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium against @SDLegion after defeating @Hou_Sabercats 37-26 today.
Check out the match highlights.
FS2