Jackals Fight Hard in MLR Inaugural Match but Fall to the Austin Gilgronis
Arlington, TX (Feb 6, 2021) – In their Inaugural Major League Rugby match, the Dallas Jackals valiantly fought but ultimately fell to the Austin Gilgronis 43-7. On a cold, breezy night in Austin, TX, the Jackals showed their heart all 80 mins.
Match Takeaways:
- After an entire team effort attack, Campbell Johnston scores the Jackals first-ever franchise try picking up a precise grubber into the try zone by Henry Trinder.
- Elaine Vassie, Jackals General Manager, becomes first woman to be in a managerial position on Major League Rugby match day.
- Two local talents, Romain Gadeaux and Matt Frings, make their MLR debut representing their former club the Dallas Harlequins.
- Eric Naposki and Aaron Gray, 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft picks (#1 and #14 picks respectively), make their MLR debut.
Out of the gate, both sides were gaining their footing in the league opener playing loose, free trading penalties back and forth. At 10 min, Austin AGs got on the board first 3-0 with a penalty goal kick.
The Dallas Jackals quickly came back. With a kick to touch by Fly-Half Adriaan Carelse after an Austin penalty, Hooker Todd Gleave found Mike Matarazzo in the lineout. Moe Abdelmonem picked up there, starting the attack forward followed by a short break through by Scrum-Half Carlo de Nysschen. With a short pass to Henry Trinder and a precision grubber picked up by Center Campbell Johnstone, the Dallas Jackals scored the first ever franchise try at 14 min exactly. With a successful conversion, the new Texas team went up 7-3.
This would close out the scoring for the night for the Jackals with the strong Austin forwards powering past the new squad. Austin would go on to score six tries, including one penalty try, ending the game with a 43-7 Austin win.
Although the loss, the Jackals showed true heart, grit, and demonstrated the potential the side has in their Inaugural Season.
Next week, the Dallas Jackals go West to take on the San Diego Legion on Saturday, February 12th at 3pm CT. Watch all the action at therugbynetwork.com, free to join and watch.
Join the Jackals at home on Saturday, February 19th at 7pm CT for their Inaugural Opening Day against the Houston SaberCats at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington. Single Game Tickets, Season Tickets, and Group Options are available now! Don’t forget to grab your Jackals gear ahead the season.
Try: Campbell Johnstone
Conversion Kick: Adriaan Carelse
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Media Contact:
Kelsey Armand
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