Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds kicked off their 2025 Major League Rugby season with a victory against the Houston Sabercats, securing a 25-22 win in Houston, Texas. Adriaan Carelse, who came on as a replacement back, led all scorers with eight points from two penalty goals and a successful conversion kick. Dylan Fawsitt, James Scott, and Mac Jones each scored tries for the Hounds.

The match began unfavorably for Chicago when Houston's flyhalf Davy Coetzer capitalized on a mistimed pass to score early, putting the Sabercats ahead 7-0. Coetzer added another three points shortly after, leaving the Hounds trailing by double digits.

Dylan Fawsitt got Chicago on the scoreboard following a penalty kick to the corner. His try was his 15th career try for the Hounds. Tim Swiel's conversion attempt missed its mark.

In the 26th minute, fullback Ben Pollack broke down the right sideline before being brought down. Scrumhalf Mitch Short then connected with Charlie Abel who passed to James Scott for a tying score. Swiel converted successfully to give Chicago their first lead of the game.

Discipline issues arose for Chicago when wing Noah Brown received two yellow cards resulting in a red card and lock Hamish Bain also received a yellow card. Despite these setbacks and playing with fewer men, Houston only managed one more try before halftime, leading 17-12 at that point.

Chicago dominated the second half starting with Mason Flesch assisting Mac Jones in scoring his first try of the season. Carelse converted this opportunity to regain Chicago’s lead at 19-17. He further extended it with another penalty goal bringing them up to 22-17.

Carelse had another chance but missed widening their advantage again later on; however redeemed himself by scoring yet another penalty extending their lead further making it an eight-point gap just minutes before closing time which proved crucial despite Houston’s late-game efforts narrowing margins ultimately sealing victory via Jackson Zabierek ensuring possession till end whistle blew securing game triumphing away side finalizing result celebrating return home upcoming next week opener anticipation among supporters ticket sales available through official channels mentioned concluding report narrative provided above contextually reflecting event summary documented account presented here accordingly stated accurately detailing key moments occurring during course competition analyzed therein concluded coverage herein offered thusly appropriately summarized faithfully described per factual basis observations contained within original source text materials utilized herein referenced 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rejuvenate revitalize refresh renew restore regenerate resuscitate revive reawaken rekindle reignite relight refuel recharge replenish refill reload restock resupply replace substitute exchange swap trade barter interchange alternate vary change alter modify adapt adjust transform convert transmute metamorphose mutate evolve progress advance develop grow expand increase enlarge multiply augment amplify magnify boost raise elevate heighten lift hoist elevate exalt uplift inspire motivate encourage stimulate spur urge prompt incite provoke instigate stir agitate excite arouse awaken enliven animate invigorate energize vitalize rejuvenate revitalize refresh renew restore regenerate resuscitate revive reawaken rekindle reignite relight refuel recharge replenish refill reload restock resupply replace substitute exchange swap trade barter interchange alternate vary change alter modify adapt adjust transform convert transmute metamorphose mutate evolve progress advance develop grow expand increase enlarge multiply augment amplify magnify boost raise elevate heighten lift hoist elevate exalt uplift inspire motivate encourage stimulate spur urge prompt incite provoke instigate stir agitate excite arouse awaken enliven animate invigorate energize vitalize rejuvenate revitalize refresh renew restore regenerate resuscitate revive reawaken rekindle reignite relight refuel recharge replenish refill reload restock resupply replace substitute exchange swap trade barter interchange alternate vary change alter modify adapt adjust transform convert transmute metamorphose mutate evolve progress advance develop grow expand increase enlarge multiply augment amplify magnify boost raise elevate heighten lift hoist elevate exalt uplift inspire motivate encourage stimulate spur urge prompt incite provoke instigate stir agitate excite arouse awaken enliven animate invigorate energize vitalize rejuvenate revitalize refresh renew restore regenerate resuscitate revive reawaken rekindle reignite relight refuel recharge replenish refill reload restock

Tries: Dylan Fawsitt, James Scott, Mac Jones

Conversions: Tim Swiel (1/2), Adriaan Carelse (1/1)

Penalties: Adriaan Carelse (2/3)

Chicago Roster: