(August 26, 2008) In a friendly pre-season opener for the Seattle Rugby Club, the visiting Glendale Raptors defeated the host side 35 – 23 at Pat Ryan Field.  Seattle received the opening kickoff and proceeded to pound the ball inside using their large forward pack. Driving down the field they earned the first penalty of the match, an easy kick for flyhalf Robbie Flynn.  Glendale again kicked off and Seattle continues to attack tight using their forwards to good effect.  At seven minutes, from a successful lineout, the Seattle forwards drove the ball over to take an 8 – 0 lead.

       Glendale seemed to awaken from their slumber as their defense stiffened.  Glendale kicked the ball deep into Seattle territory and off a lineout and penalty, prop Ryan Chapman drove over for an unconverted try. In the 25th minute Glendale took a lineout and flyhalf Mike Graham sliced through some weak tackling for a converted try.  Just two minutes later a turnover saw scrum half Josh Schmitz sprint over for another converted try pushing the score to 19 – 8.  Graham completed the first half scoring with a penalty 22 – 8 Glendale.

        Immediately following the break, Seattle re-established their forward attack, creating a penalty that Flynn pushed over, 19 – 11.  Glendale responded with a sustained attack and from a five meter scrum #8 Joshua Ulunisau cut through for the converted try, 29 - 11.  Seattle immediately went on the attack and from outstanding loose play that saw the ball pass through numerous player hands a converted try was scored at fifteen minutes, 29 – 18.  Seattle continued its forward attack but Glendale secured a turnover and from a high tackle Graham goaled the penalty.  Two minutes later Seattle scored from a lineout as the ball moved to the centers and back to the forwards for their third try of the match.  Graham completed the days scoring with his third penalty of the day for a final 35 -23 margin.