Houston SaberCats beat Seattle Seawolves

The Seattle Seawolves have been a tough opponent for the Houston SaberCats, including last year’s eliminator to open the playoffs.

Neither has been easy, but the SaberCats have turned things around in two meetings this year.

A strong start to the second half proved crucial as Houston defeated Seattle, 28-25, Saturday at SaberCats Stadium.

The SaberCats completed the regular season sweep, including a 42-40 victory at Seattle in Week 4. Houston has won eight straight matches, improving its best record in Major League Rugby to 13-1. Seattle, the closest competitor, is 10-4.

“We’re really happy,” said SaberCats scrum-half Andre Warner. “At the start of the year when we beat them there we were really proud of an away win but we wanted to beat them again. We know they’re a quality team and we’ll probably play them again in the playoffs.

Second-half tries from Justin Basson and Keni Nasoqeqe were enough to contain an explosive Seattle team that scored 68 points in its last game.

The Seawolves stayed in the game despite falling behind by 10 points three times. Jade Stighling scored a quick punt after a lineout in the 77th minute, but Seattle was unable to regain possession.

“We still have two games left and I think it was a big confidence booster for us,” said SaberCats flyhalf/center AJ Alatimu. “It’s a quality team. After their performance last week against Utah, we knew it would be a tough game. It’s a good thing for the boys who stuck to their game plan and we got a win.

The SaberCats had the wind advantage in the first half and did enough to build a 13-10 halftime lead.

Houston struck first in the sixth minute on a try from Davy Coetzer. Louritz van der Schyff appeared to have the ball thrown forward and Coetzer brought it down to score easily for a 5-0 advantage.

Alatimu, who struggled with the wind on two conversions in the first half, scored a penalty kick to put Houston ahead 8-0. Seattle responded in the 23rd minute with a Mack Mason penalty.

The SaberCats took advantage of a mishandled punt for their second down. It took nine phases, but Warner finally took a 13-3 lead.

It was the second consecutive home game with a try for Warner, who has been a consistent scorer.

“The forwards do all the work,” Warner said. “I just finished it. It was good to score a try, but the forwards do all the work. I just score the try and give the high five.

The cushion was short-lived as the Seawolves quickly built their deepest lead into Houston territory. Sam Matenga pushed in in the 38th minute, with Mason adding a direct conversion to produce the half-time margin.

Houston took advantage of an early opportunity after halftime, set up in part by Christian Dyer jumping to get a SaberCats kick downfield. Basson took a 20-10 lead in the 42nd minute.

Seattle responded once again, as Toni Pulu won the drive with a punt into the down zone. Alatimu and Mason traded tries before the next hydration break, leaving Houston ahead 23-18.

Nasoqeqe scored a try that proved crucial in the 62nd minute, which not only extended the lead to 28-18, but was also Houston’s fourth try of the match, earning a bonus point in the standings.

The SaberCats limited the top-ranked MLR team to three tries despite some punts behind them. Houston continues to have the top-ranked defense in the league.

“We did our homework on them during the week to find out where their strengths are,” Alatimu said. “Our defense coach has done a lot of work. We stayed true to our DNA and played good football.