By Aaron Wilson
Racing away from pursuit in the open field, Juan-Dee Oliver was determined to finish his breakaway try.
Oliver didn’t stop until he had opened the Houston SaberCats’ scoring in a 40-19 victory over the Utah Warriors as the win propelled them back into first place in the Western Conference division.
Oliver, a 23-year-old South African native who previously played for the Dallas Jackals before joining the SaberCats this year, was honored as the Man of the Match.
“I’m pretty pleased,” Oliver said. “That’s what I was looking for.”
He had a pair of tries, three carries, 45 meters, one defender beaten and one clean break. Oliver is now up to 26 points overall this season.
“I’m just grateful that we can put in a performance like this,” Oliver said. “That’s what you hope for.”
Originally with the Cheetahs before joining the Jackals, Oliver plays the game with a lot of speed. He has mobility, moves and savvy working in his favor.
Since being acquired by the SaberCats, Oliver has emerged as a key contributor on a defending division champion that finished 14-2 overall last season.
“That’s what you’re supposed to do,” Oliver said. “Either catch the ball and run, or make defensive reads. I’m pretty pleased with that, again.”
The SaberCats needed this clutch win as they strive for the playoffs and their stated goal: winning the Shield in Major League Rugby.
“This game was the game we put out for the season,” Oliver said. “This was our defining match. We’re pretty pleased about this. We’re on the right track.”
