Utah Warriors Get Record Setting Performance In Home Win
Mar 5, 2022, 2:11 PM | Updated: Oct 4, 2022, 1:44 pm
(Courtesy of Utah Warriors Rugby)
(Courtesy of Utah Warriors Rugby)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Warriors set a franchise scoring record as Utah dominated from start to finish in their first win of the season.
In their first match at home in the 2022 campaign, the Warriors (1-3) hosted the Dallas Jackals (0-5) at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, UT.
Utah topped Dallas 69-22 in the highest score in MLR history.
And just like that @utwarriorsrugby have scored the most points in a single @usmlr game history! #MLR2022 pic.twitter.com/1y1eVR1vPh
— The Rugby Network (@therugbynetwork) March 5, 2022
“We still have quite a way to go, but it’s great to see these connections growing,” head coach Shawn Pittman said following the match. “I don’t know where the ceiling is for this club, but I’m excited to see it.”
The opening 40 minutes featured a Warrior offense that struck fast and often, building a 29-3 halftime lead.
The Warriors got on the board first with a Saia ‘Uhila conversion. The subsequent conversion made it 7-0 Warriors.
Warriors on the board first!
UTAH – 7 | DALLAS – 0#ForTheNation || #RiseOfRugby pic.twitter.com/tZaVRkFuPq
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) March 5, 2022
Leading 10-0 following a Cliven Loubser penalty kick, Tomasi Tonga scored the second try of the afternoon for the Warriors. The conversion was no good.
The Jackals scored their first points on a penalty kicky.
With Utah leading 15-3, Mika Kruse broke away from the pack for the third Warrior try of the game. Niall Saunders followed with the conversion, making it 22-3.
What a try Mika Kruse!! With the beautiful kick from Niall Saunders!!
UTAH – 22 | DALLAS – 3#ForTheNation || #RiseOfRugby pic.twitter.com/MGiWSZiJTY
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) March 5, 2022
Before the halftime horn, Kruse scored his second try of the game, staking the Warriors to a 29-3 halftime lead.
The onslaught continued in the second half as the Warriors. Mikey Te’o scored a pair of tries with the second tying him for the franchise record. The Warriors led 41-3 following the second try from Te’o. Te’o would go on to make three try’s on the day.
Mikey Te’o sets the franchise record for tries scored!!#ForTheNation pic.twitter.com/GNVzSTSNdL
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) March 5, 2022
Just a few minutes later, Call Cliven and Saunders combined for a try. With the conversion, the Warriors opened up their advantage to 48-10.
With seemingly everybody getting involved, Tuvere Vugakoto scored the eighth try of the match for Utah, putting them in front 55-10.
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In the moment of the match, Mika Kruse scored his third try, marking the second hat trick in Warrior franchise history.
The Warriors will travel to Los Angeles, CA where they will face the Los Angeles Giltinis on Sunday, March 13. The match is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. (MDT).
