Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Hounds secured a gritty 20-18 victory over the New Orleans Gold on Saturday night, moving to a 5-1 record in Major League Rugby. The match, played in New Orleans, saw key contributions from hooker Dylan Fawsitt, flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck, and flanker Maclean Jones, who each scored tries. Hilsenbeck also added to the tally with a penalty kick.

The Hounds, returning from a bye week, initially struggled to find their form, failing to score until the 39th minute. New Orleans gained an early advantage with a penalty goal by their flyhalf, Dorian Jones, in the 18th minute.

The Gold notched their first try in the 22nd minute. However, the conversion attempt by Jones was unsuccessful, leaving the score at a manageable deficit for Chicago. Despite facing early difficulties with handling errors and penalties, Chicago began to rally.

Dorian Jones further extended New Orleans' lead with another penalty goal in the 34th minute, but Dylan Fawsitt's try just before halftime narrowed the gap to 11-5. After the break, Chris Hilsenbeck scored his inaugural Major League Rugby try, closing the deficit to one point. Maclean Jones soon followed, seizing the lead for Chicago with an uncontested try and setting a career-high for tries in a season.

Hilsenbeck's successful penalty kick in the 61st minute extended Chicago's lead to nine points, making it a two-possession game. Although New Orleans threatened with a late try and conversion, Chicago held firm. Their disciplined play in the final minutes, including securing a crucial lineout in the 79th minute, ensured victory. The Hounds will face San Diego next week.