By Aaron Wilson
Charging ahead, team captain Nathan Den Hoedt busted through the scrum for a try.
For the Houston SaberCats, beating Old Glory D.C. represented more than a second win in a row.
It was about drawing a line in the sand as they make their push for the playoffs and their goal of claiming the Shield in the Major League Rugby race to the top.
The SaberCats improved to 7-3 overall as they earned a 48-27 win, propelled by a pair of tries from Den Hoedt.
“We wanted to have a statement game, and I think we showed that,” Jeremy Misailegalu said. “I think we had a sluggish start, but we got past that and we did better. Our captain, Moose (Den Hoedt) had a hell of a game.”
Taulatasi Tasi scored an early try as he broke away from pursuit from Old Glory.
After building a 27-10 halftime lead, the SaberCats held on for the win.
Max Schumacher scored the final try for the SaberCats.
Other tries for the SaberCats: Dominic Akina, A.J. Alatimu, who also improved in the kicking game with a penalty goal and several conversions.
“I think the boys did a good job,” Den Hoedt said. “We didn’t start the way we wanted to. D.C. obviously had a great start to the game and then we came around. We had a water break and we really started to buy in and focus on ourselves. I think we saw the switch we made and that showed for us.
“It’s obviously a good win. The other side, we gave up 27 points. So, there’s plenty to work on. We created some great tries, but there’s certainly some stuff to work on.”
The SaberCats’ next match is an intriguing matchup.
They take on the New England Free Jacks, the Eastern Conference leaders, on the road.
“Obviously, it’s a big one,” Den Hoedt said. “It’s going to be a massive game.”
