It certainly was not a spectacle of running rugby last weekend, as the Free Jacks ground their way to a 21-15 win over the Toronto Arrows. As the rain gave way to sleet and eventually snow, the Free Jacks notched another high tackle count to see off the challenge. Kudos to the spectators who endured the conditions to cheer on the locals.
Beaudein Waaka continued his highlight reel ways soon after the game was under way, gathering his own kick ahead and coming close to scoring, but popping the ball up to Joseph Johnston for the opening score.
As the cold took hold and the footing became less secure, the game ground down considerably. The Free Jacks always seemed to have the upper hand, especially since the first half was played into the cold wind and the Free Jacks had the 7-3 lead at half time.
Closing into the final quarter, flanker Slade McDowall put the game out of reach with a winding run that left would be tacklers flailing in his wake. However, the Arrows had some measure of satisfaction for their journey, scoring a try about the 85th minute to salvage a losing bonus point. Both sides happily retreated to the warmth of the dressing rooms and out of the biting cold conditions.
The Free Jacks can expect warmer conditions in the next game, in Austin against the top ranked Gilgronis. After dropping the first game of the season against Rugby ATL, Austin has run off five consecutive wins, so it should be a great contest. Catch the action at 8PM on Saturday March 19.