Defensive seawall sees Sea Wolves turn the tide

SEATTLE Sea Wolves overturned the odds and two earlier season defeats against the same opponents when they beat Glendale Raptors 23-19 to win the inaugural Major League Championship in Torero Stadium, San Diego.

The professional Major League was founded earlier this year with seven clubs and is seen as a massive part of the jigsaw in helping rugby in the USA achieve lift off.

It’s been solid rather than spectacular but all seven teams have fulfilled all their fixtures and the competition is up and running and secured its niche in the American season.

Already an expansion to nine clubs for next season has been confirmed with New York and LA Coast Rugby joining the fray, while a team based in Washington DC is expected to join in 2010. Others doing the maths and considering putting their hat in the ring include Dallas Griffins, Ontario Arrow while consortiums in Boston and Vancouver are also in discussions.

Each team is allowed five ‘overseas’ players and there was an international flavour to the Sea Wolves’ three-try scorers with Canadian hooker Ray Barkwill, Fijian centre William Rasileka and South African No.8 Riekert Hatting all crossing the whitewash.

Fly-half Peter Smith added two conversions and a penalty. Led by veteran Eagles centre Shalom Suniula, they ruthlessly took their opportunities when they presented themselves.

For the Raptors – strong favourites going tino the match, there was a brace of tries for Zach Fenoglio – one of a clutch of talented hookers currently in the Eagles squad – and a third try for Bryce Campbell with fly-half Will Magie adding two conversions.

Glendale dominated territorially for much of the final quarter but couldn’t crack the Seattle defence which has been dubbed the seawall on account of its obduracy.