Hounds Outlast Sharks in Season Opener

MIAMI, FL- The Chicago Hounds weathered a second-half comeback from the Miami Sharks to capture their season opening win of the 2024 campaign, 23-19. This was the Sharks’ first game competing in Major League Rugby.

Adriaan Carelse got things started for the Hounds early on in the game. Miami was dinged for a penalty in the opening few minutes and Carelse was able to convert that into points, giving the Hounds an early advantage. The Sharks responded almost immediately with a penalty kick of their own, evening the scores at three a piece.

After another Sharks penalty, Carelse added three more points off of his boot. Once again, the Sharks responded almost immediately. After a Hounds penalty, Miami opted for a kick at goal and converted, 6-6 after the opening 15 minutes of the contest.

The Hounds worked their way downfield following Miami’s successful shot at goal. And this is where things got wild. The Hounds kicked for touch after another Sharks’ penalty and had the ball 10 meters out of the try line. Fawsitt hit the lineout and the ensuing maul was operating, before the Sharks got in the mix with yet another penalty. However, this one resulted in a full seven-point, penalty try for the Hounds.

It made the scoreline 13-6 and the Hounds wouldn’t relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game. Suddenly, 20 minutes was up and it was the first water break of the 2024 Major League Rugby season.

Shortly after the first half water break, the Hounds broke through on the scoreboard once again. However, it was another penalty try- Chicago’s second in just the opening thirty minutes of the new season. The Hounds moved out to a 20-6 lead and seemed in total control for the majority of the opening half. Right before the teams hit the sheds for halftime, Miami notched their third penalty kick of the evening- drawing the scoreline ever-so closer, 20-9.

HALFTIME:

Chicago Hounds: 20

Penalty Try (2), Adriaan Carelse Penalty Kicks (2)

Miami Sharks: 9

Penalty Kicks (3)

The rain started to pick up again in the second half and to make things worse, the Sharks got things started early on in the stanza. They scored a converted try and the comfortable lead Chicago built up in the first half proved it wouldn’t be enough to hold off MLR’s newest franchise. After the successful conversion, it was 20-16 in favor of the Hounds.

It was a back and forth affair for the majority of the second half. The Sharks drew even closer after another successful penalty kick, however. The 14-point Hounds’ lead had suddenly dwindled to one-point and with less than half an hour to go, Miami seemingly had all of the momentum going into the waning moments of the season opener.

Carelse added a little breathing room with his third successful penalty kick of the night, making it 23-19. The clock was winding down and the Sharks had the ball deep in the Hounds half. But the Dawgs’ defense held strong and were able to win a penalty. Captain Billy Meakes kicked the ball to touch and the Chicago Hounds moved to 1-0 on the new season.

The Dawgs now turn their attention to the Utah Warriors. Week 2 kicks off Saturday afternoon at 3 PM CT and fans can tune into Marquee Plus for the action.

FINAL:

Chicago Hounds: 23

Penalty Try (2), Adriaan Carelse Penalty Kicks (3)

Miami Sharks: 19