Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds emerged victorious against the Carolina Anthem in their first preseason match, held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game concluded with a close score of 35-30 on Saturday afternoon.

Chicago's Head Coach Chris Latham fielded an experienced lineup for the initial period. Liam Fletcher and Charlie Abel joined forces in the props, with Dylan Fawsitt, a 2024 first-team All-Pro hooker, completing the front row. James Scott and George Merrick were chosen as locks, while Mason Flesch and Lucas Rumball took positions at openside and blindside flanker respectively. Luke White, co-captain from 2024, donned the No. 8 jersey.

Michael Baska was selected as scrumhalf, alongside Sam Walsh at flyhalf. Ollie Devoto and Bryce Campbell formed the midfield partnership, supported by wings Julian Dominguez and Nate Augspurger. Ben Pollack served as fullback.

The Hounds initiated scoring after winning a lineout deep in Carolina territory; George Merrick scored the opening try. Without conversion kicks in play, they led 5-0. Carolina responded quickly to equalize after capitalizing on back-to-back penalties.

Despite challenging conditions affecting maul operations, Dylan Fawsitt managed another try for Chicago following a penalty kick to touch. As the first period neared its end, Carolina tied the game again at 10-10 through effective mauling after a penalty.

In the second period, Jackson Zabierek opened scoring for Chicago following strategic plays that saw Michael Hand II contribute significantly before offloading to Mark O’Keeffe and eventually back to Zabierek for a try under pressure.

Mark O’Keeffe extended Chicago's lead with another try but Carolina matched this with two long-range tries before halftime ended with both teams level at 20-20.

O’Keeffe continued his performance into the third period with another impressive try though Anthem soon leveled scores once more at 25-25. After securing an uncontested scrum near Carolina’s line due to poor field conditions affecting previous attempts, Peyton Wall executed a successful set-piece move extending Chicago’s lead further.

Michael Hand II shone again late into gameplay adding his own try increasing their advantage further despite one last effort from Carolina closing final scores at 35-30 favoring Chicago Hounds.

Looking ahead now towards facing Houston Sabercats next weekend marks their second preseason fixture followed closely by opening week clash starting Major League Rugby season of year twenty-twenty-five itself featuring same opponent yet again shortly thereafter.