Hounds Set Single-Game Scoring Record in Win over Anthem

CHICAGO, IL- The Hounds scored a franchise-record 59 points on Sunday afternoon’s win over the Carolina Anthem, moving to 3-3-1 on the season and vaulting up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Chicago was led by a pair of players with hat-tricks in hooker Dylan Fawsitt and scrumhalf Jason Higgins. Fawsitt got the scoring started in the seventh minute, dotting down his first try of the day and his third score of the season. Flyhalf Adriaan Carelse added the points after and it was 7-0 after eight minutes.

Higgins added his first score of the day just moments later, spotting a half gap in the Anthem line of defense and darting through it for his first score of the year. Carelse hit the conversion once more, widening the lead to 14. Anthem’s ill-discipline cost them again just a few minutes later with a maul penalty and Fawsitt added his second score of the day via a maul. The kick was good and it was 21-0 in the blink of an eye.

The 2023 Back of the Year, Nate Augspurger, added his first score the year in the 24th minute. Fawsitt broke the line well off of a lineout move and got the ball into the hands of center Billy Meakes. Meakes did well to continue the movement and connect with Augspurger on a beauty of an offload. The right wing dotted it down for the fourth try of the afternoon, giving the Hounds the bonus-point on the table standings.

Anthem looked to bounce back in the next few minutes. They added a pair of tries via their No. 8, Dylan Fortune, and the outside center, Te Rangatira Waitokia. With the score sitting at 26-12, things got a little more interesting. But Chicago responded well with the third Dylan Fawsitt try of the first half. Chicago went into halftime with an impressive 31-12 lead.

It took a little time for Chicago to get their attack started in the second half. Higgins broke through for his second score of the day in the 53rd minute, however. Carelse’s kick was successful but Anthem responded with a try of their own just moments later, making the score 38-19. Higgins completed his hat trick in the 59th minute and with a successful Caresle conversion, it was 45-19, a new scoring-record for the Hounds.

The Anthem would go on to add another try before the final whistle. But Chicago kept piling on scores of their own. Mike Matarazzo dotted down the second try of his career in the 76th minute. Reserve back Caolan Dooley slotted the conversion, giving him the first points of his MLR career. Reserve hooker Janus Venter scored his second try in as many weeks, and appearances, before the final whistle. Dooley once again converted the try, bringing his point tally to four for the day.

Chicago finished their Week 7 matchup with a 59-26 victory, moving them to 3-3-1 on the season. The Hounds now look to RFC Los Angeles, who travel to SeatGeek Stadium for Week 8 of Major League Rugby’s 2024 season. Kickoff is slated for 5PM Sunday evening and fans can purchase tickets for the game here.

Final:

Chicago Hounds: 59

Tries: Dylan Fawsitt (3), Jason Higgins (3), Nate Augspurger, Mike Matarazzo, Janus Venter

Conversions: Adriaan Carelse (5/7), Caolan Dooley (2/2)

Carolina Anthem: 26

Roster:

1. Charlie Abel (17. Fred Apulu at 51’)
2. Dylan Fawsitt (16. Janus Venter at 58’)
3. Paddy Ryan (18. Ignacio Peculo at 51’)
4. Ben Landry
5. George Merrick (19. Brad Tucker at 56’)
6. Lucas Rumball
7. Maclean Jones
8. Luke White (20. Mike Matarazzo at 64’)
9. Jason Higgins (22. Caolan Dooley at 61’)
10. Adriaan Carelse
11. Julian Dominguez (21. Michael Baska at 51’)
12. Billy Meakes ©
13. Bryce Campbell
14. Nate Augspurger
15. Dave Kearney (23. Noah Brown at 28’)