Jamin Hodgkins and his Pacific Pride teammates produced a vastly improved defensive display to secure a gritty 26-26 draw against Meraloma, stemming a run of high-scoring defeats in the BC Rugby Premier League. Having conceded an average of nearly 50 points per game over their last three outings, the Pride’s "development-first" squad found the resolve to keep the Lomas at bay in a physical encounter at Connaught Park.
The result has significant implications for the bottom half of the table. The two points gained take the Lomas to 15 points from 12 games, moving them into 8th place ahead of Castaway Wanderers with a 1.25 points-per-match average. Despite the improved performance, the Pride remain rooted to 10th with five points from six games, averaging 0.83 ppm.
The Pride’s coaching staff opted for rotation in the engine room, promoting the second row from the reserves and handing Theo Espagnol a start at hooker. The backline, however, was notably missing Jacob Ince and Thomas Cuzange, with both players believed to be at a national 7s selection camp ahead of the SVNS 2 tournament in Nairobi on February 14th.
Bermudian utility back Hodgkins provided a steadying influence for the Pride from fullback, while the half-back pairing of Chris Rose and Jean-Louis Desgouttes remained unchanged to provide tactical continuity.
Meraloma relied heavily on their veteran core to navigate the stalemate, with Conor O’Brien returning to the second row and Marcus Ale stepping up from the reserves to start at Number 8. The insertion of New Zealander Malachi Te Rore – King at outside centre added the anticipated scoring spark, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Pride side that looked far more organized than in previous weeks.
The Pride now head into a bye week to reflect on their best defensive showing of the season, while the Lomas prepare for a daunting trip to face league-leaders Westshore.
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