The Chicago Hounds took the field for the first time at Frank Brown Park today. Rugby ATL and the American Raptors provided opposition in short scrimmages played in Panama City Beach.
Results didn’t go Chicago’s way, with ATL scoring a 26-7 win and the Raptors finishing on top 14-0. A memorable moment came when Luke Beauchamp crossed in the first half against ATL to score the first try in Hounds franchise history.
Mattina to Beauchamp to the glory land
Kick from Carty is good, tie ball game 7-7 pic.twitter.com/PuPDTgcm8s
— Chicago Hounds (@HoundsChicago) February 9, 2023
Ethan McVeigh and Ronan Murphy were the try-scorers for the Raptors against Chicago. The Super Rugby Americas side were also shutout winners over ATL by a score of 24-0. Shawn Clark grabbed a double with single tries for Juan Echeverría and Dom Iacovino.
Meanwhile the Hounds have added two players to their senior roster. Loosehead prop Timmy Ohlwein, who turns 25 later this month, arrives from the Dallas Jackals. This will be the first professional deal for 27-year-old Oswego Wizards winger Kevin Morgan, who previously suited up for NYAC.
Four players are currently on trial at the club. Former SaberCats prop Jeffery Steele, one-time Seawolves utility back Nick Taylor, and ex-Old Glory winger Jack Russell are vying for senior deals. Kansas City Blues wing Kyle Renner, who played for the AG Outlaws academy side last year, is also in the mix.
The Seawolves wrapped up their preseason campaign with a 49-0 win over Seattle Rugby Club on Wednesday night. Played at Starfire Stadium, try scorers in the 40-minute contest were scored by James Malcolm, Riekert Hattingh (2), Tavite Lopeti, David Busby, Reid Watkins, and Peter Malcolm. Jordan Chait kicked four conversions with AJ Alatimu adding one at full-time.