Pacific Northwest Kicks-off its Fall Season
Pacific Northwest Women’s DII
Emerald City Mud Hens put on quite the season opening act by destroying the hosting Budd Bay Bandits 69-7. Nearly half those points came from Mud Hens flyhalf Rachel Manning. She had a superior individual performance, converting her own hat-trick of tries as well as 3 other conversions. All before Bud Bay got their consolation try at the 74th Minute. Manning added another conversion as time expired to bring her personal point tally to 29. Elsewhere, Portland Pigs travelled up to Bellingham to face off with Chuckanut Bay Geoducks. It was a hard fought game that could have gone to either team. Portland scored first and remained ahead at the break 15-12, after Chuckant tied them at 10 about midway through the first half. Chuckanut pulled away at the beginning of the second half, forcing the visitors to scramble from behind. With a try at 63 minutes, Portland came to within 4 points, 24-20, but were unable to defend against Chuckanuts relentless, late game, attack as they put up 2 more tries to seal the victory at 34-20.
Pacific Northwest Men’s DII
Coming off a winless season, Portland Pigs started out strong against the visiting Valley Kangaroos. Valley managed to put up 5 points toward the end of the first half, but Portland had done serious damage putting up 25 of their own. The beginning of the second half showed a defensive battle as Valley attempted to gain some positive ground, but in the end, Portland proved too strong, adding 17 points to their tally with the final of 42-5, sending the kangaroos north with their tail between their legs. Tacoma Nomads were home against Oregon Sports Union (ORSU) and started the day very sluggish. The defensive slugfest showed early season jitters and mistakes by both sides, with ORSU capitalizing more often. Tacoma was down 24-5 at the half, but brought it together, saving a blowout, and earning a bonus point in a narrow defeat 26-36.
Pacific Northwest Men’s DIII/DIV North
Budd Bay Buffaloes were at home against Clark County Cheifs in a high-scoring game with Budd Bay at the controls for most of the game. Going into the second half behind 45-12, Clark County caught Budd Bay napping a bit, knotting the game at 45 with seven minutes left. Budd Bay awoke late, scoring two tries in the last 4 minutes to seal the win 55-44. Meanwhile in Seattle, Seattle Quake hosted, well… Seattle Quake. Technically, the B side were the visitors and in the process got shook by the Quake A side 72-7. On a positive note, Quake B held the lead for 2 entire minutes, 7-5 at the beginning of the match.
