Pacific North Recap: Newly Formed Boise United Showing Flare
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division II:
Portland Pigs, fresh off their first win in more than a calendar year, were home against cross-town rivals Oregon Sports Union (ORSU). ORSU started off early with a drop goal by Mark Chandler at 3 minutes, and quickly added another 7 before Portland gained a yellow card midway through the first half. ORSU is a team that takes advantage of mistakes, and this was no exception as they put up another 10 points with the man advantage. Portland attempted to regroup, scoring 2 unconverted tries and going into the half down 10-20. Portland came out swinging, bringing the score to its narrowest margin of 17-20, but ORSU stayed on the throttle corralling the pigs 22-36. The newly formed Boise United hosted last season’s champions, Eastside Tsunami. This was an excellent opportunity for Boise to prove themselves a powerhouse, and they didn’t disappoint. Boise’s game plan was to keep the ball out of the hands of Tsunami’s explosive players, and it was followed to a tee. The Boise defense remained staunch behind lock Enoch Willey. Execution of set pieces and ball control led to Boise tries, and ultimately the victory 41-7.
Pacific Northwest Women’s Division II:
Bend Lady Roughriders were on the trail against Portland Pigs and showed they can travel well. Flyhalf Kylie Hahn scored 22 points Saturday as head butcher helping the roughriders slaughter the Pigs 0-42. Tacoma Sirens hosted Budd Bay Bandits in a close slugfest between the long-time rivals. Budd Bay scored first and kept Tacoma to one try by the midway point, 5-10. Tacoma fought back during the defensive back and forth, bringing the score to 17-20 toward the end. Budd Bay was able to keep Tacoma from crossing the line again, and the score remained.
Pacific Northwest Men’s Division III/IV :
Portland Lumberjacks attempted to topple Boise United D3 in Boise, and scored first at 8 minutes. Boise took this shot in the mouth as a challenge, knotting the game up 3 minutes later before going ahead 4 minutes after that. Boise stayed in control the remainder of the match, putting up an outstanding backline display of points, besting Portland 88-5. Budd Bay Buffaloes travelled to Battleground Bulls, and seemed to get off to a sluggish start. With the addition of a penalty try the score was 19-0 with the Bulls proving to be stronger than the Buffaloes, but were unable to maintain composure. Budd Bay capitalized on the hat-trick of yellow cards and a red card, to bring the score 19-14 at the half. The second half started much like the first did, with Battleground racing out to a convincing 33-14 lead, before the Buffaloes stampeded back by scoring 36 unanswered points and coming out on top 33-49. Portland Pigs D3 hosted ORSU D3 and played a different game than their D2 brethren. Jumping to a 17-5 lead early on, they would never relinquish their pressure, rolling on to a 39-15 victory. Clark County Chiefs were at home against Eastside Axemen, who were unable to thwart the Chief’s offensive push in the first half. Eastside played a man down due to a yellow card, but managed to sneak a try and the end of the half, 21-7. Clark County eased up on the pedal a little, but Eastside was unable to pass, falling 31-17.
