Utah Warriors Open Home Schedule With Dominating Performance Over Dallas Jackals
Feb 25, 2023, 3:49 PM | Updated: 4:34 pm
Paul Lasike of Harlequins is tackled by Brad Shields of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Wasps at Twickenham Stoop on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)
HERRIMAN, Utah – The Utah Warriors picked up their first win of the season, controlling play for most of the match to come away with a 33-25 win.
The Warriors (1-1) hosted the Dallas Jackals (0-2) in the 2023 home opener at Zions Bank Stadium in frigid Herriman, Utah.
Utah dropped their first game of the year in San Diego. The Legion controlled the match in a 33-17 Warrior loss.
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First Half
Utah’s Paul Lasike opened the scoring evading several Dallas defenders for a try. Utah held a 7-0 advantage with the conversion in the seventh minute.
Paul Lasike up the middle for a try! šŖšŖ
7-0 Warriors#ForTheNation
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) February 25, 2023
Dallas responded quickly. The Jackals scored a try just three minutes later but a failed conversion made it a 7-5 score.
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Utah reached the try zone again in the 22nd minute. Caleb Makene powered through the Jackals for Utah’s second try of the half. Utah led 14-5 after the conversion.
The Warriors didn’t wait long for their next try. Terrific teamwork allowed Bailey Wilson to find the try zone. Utah remained perfect on conversions, taking a 21-5 lead.
Bailey with a try! #ForTheNation
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) February 25, 2023
Dallas held advantage for a long period, eventually crossing the try line for a second time in the 33rd minute. For the second time, the Jackals conversion failed, leaving Utah in front 21-10.
š£ļø21 can you do something for me#ForTheNation #UTAHvsDAL pic.twitter.com/Pw2VK4W63q
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) February 25, 2023
Second Half
Utah’s Joe Mano scored the first points of the second half. Lasike found Mano with a head of steam for a try in the 52nd minute. With a failed conversion, Utah led 26-10.
Paul Lasike with the incredible assist to put the Warriors up 26-10 in their first home game of the season! šÆ
š„ @therugbynetwork | #UTAvDAL | #MLR2023 pic.twitter.com/bMHBjXtEzx
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) February 25, 2023
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Dallas added a try in the 57th minute but a failed conversion left Utah in front 26-15.
In the 62nd minute, Mika Kruse set his team up with a long run. Moments later, Zion Going crossed the try line for the first time. After the conversion, Utah led 33-15.
ZIOOOOOON GOING
UTAH 33 – 15 DAL#ForTheNation #UTAHvsDAL
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) February 25, 2023
Dallas took advantage of the Warriors defense minutes later, finding a try after a great individual effort. The Jackals missed the conversion to keep the score 33-25.
The Warriors would win by that 33-25 score
Up Next
The Utah Warriors travel east to face the expansion Chicago Hounds in their next match on Sunday, March 5. The fixture is scheduled to kickoff at 12 p.m. (MT).
