MLR Dallas Jackals

Jackals Drop Heartbreaker to Houston but Earn Bonus Point

Published on March 29, 2024 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Dallas Jackals News Release


The Dallas Jackals pushed the unbeaten Houston SaberCats to the brink Saturday before falling short in the final minute, 30-27, at Choctaw Stadium.

Even after the SaberCats took the lead on a penalty kick in the 80th minute, the Jackals had one last chance to win the game. Typical of the hard-hitting that went on all night, the Jackals bulled their way near the goal line until a 5-meter line-out was deemed not straight by the referee in the 83rd minute of play. But they have given some oomph to the rivalry between these two Texas teams.

Both teams struggled with their kicking on a windy night. For example, the Jackals took a 15-14 lead at halftime even though they missed all three of their conversion kicks. In the second half, the SaberCats, with the wind in their face, missed a conversion and a penalty kick.

Full back Vaughen Isaacs was a standout for the Jackals as he celebrated his 25th birthday in style. He scored a try in the first half and nailed a conversion kick that tied the match in the 74th minute after Kyle Steves' try.

The SaberCats jumped to the lead quickly with a try by Ronan Murphy in the second minute and added the conversion kick. But Marcell Muller got the Jackals on the board with a try in the 6th minute. The teams went back and forth the rest of the game, like two emerging heavyweights.

Mitch Richardson's try accounted for the Jackals' halftime lead. Makeen Alikhan scored the fourth try for the Jackals early in the second half, and that earned the team an extra point in the MLR standings.

The Jackals return to action on Friday, April 5, when they travel to Seattle to take on the Seawolves. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT, and the match will be televised by The Rugby Network.

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Major League Rugby Stories from March 29, 2024


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