WFR News
Lumberjacks Chop Down Mexico
2026-09-22 21:53:43
The BC Lumberjacks carved out a convincing 28–10 victory over Mexico, built on a dominant first-half forward display, relentless breakdown work, and the laser-accurate boot of Jack Reeves. Despite a brief second-half surge from the visitors, British Columbia's defensive grit and clinical set-piece execution secured a comfortable win.
The Lumberjacks established dominance early on, using the boot of Jack Reeves to pin Mexico deep in their own territory. Reeves traded early penalties with Mexico’s Alejandro Chavez to make it 6–3, but the momentum completely shifted in the 15th minute.A spectacular, line-breaking burst by James Biss sliced through the Mexican midfield. He linked up beautifully with All Black hooker Codie Taylor, who thundered over the line to score the opening try. Reeves added the conversion to push the lead to 13–3.The Lumberjacks' defensive line then showed its muscle. Mexico crossed the line in the 22nd minute, but brilliant hold-up work forced a lengthly TMO review that ultimately ruled "No Try." Capitalising on that defensive stand, the Lumberjacks marched right back up the field. Following massive breakdown turnovers from Callum Botchar and Jake Thiel, prop Cole Keith powered over from a close-range lineout assault to make it 18–3 at the interval.
Mexico came out firing in the second period, striking back instantly in the 42nd minute through a converted Jose Larraga Martinez try.Refusing to panic at 18–10, the Lumberjacks relied on their veteran leaders to steady the ship. Halfback Jake Gordon pinned Mexico back with a series of superb tactical touch-finders, while the defensive pressure forced a string of Mexican handling errors. In the 51st minute, the pressure boiled over. The Lumberjacks launched a slick attacking sequence that saw Dane Siebens cross the line, redemption for an earlier forward pass. Reeves knocked over the extras to extend the cushion to 25–10.The frustration told for Mexico just minutes later when Chavez was sent to the sin-bin with a yellow card for a cynical breakdown infraction. With the man advantage, the Lumberjacks choked out any hope of a comeback. Strong breakdown work from Payton Teneycke kept Mexico completely starved of clean ball, and Reeves slotted a final penalty goal in the 62nd minute to cap off a commanding 28–10 performance.
Back to News Centre
The Lumberjacks established dominance early on, using the boot of Jack Reeves to pin Mexico deep in their own territory. Reeves traded early penalties with Mexico’s Alejandro Chavez to make it 6–3, but the momentum completely shifted in the 15th minute.A spectacular, line-breaking burst by James Biss sliced through the Mexican midfield. He linked up beautifully with All Black hooker Codie Taylor, who thundered over the line to score the opening try. Reeves added the conversion to push the lead to 13–3.The Lumberjacks' defensive line then showed its muscle. Mexico crossed the line in the 22nd minute, but brilliant hold-up work forced a lengthly TMO review that ultimately ruled "No Try." Capitalising on that defensive stand, the Lumberjacks marched right back up the field. Following massive breakdown turnovers from Callum Botchar and Jake Thiel, prop Cole Keith powered over from a close-range lineout assault to make it 18–3 at the interval.
Mexico came out firing in the second period, striking back instantly in the 42nd minute through a converted Jose Larraga Martinez try.Refusing to panic at 18–10, the Lumberjacks relied on their veteran leaders to steady the ship. Halfback Jake Gordon pinned Mexico back with a series of superb tactical touch-finders, while the defensive pressure forced a string of Mexican handling errors. In the 51st minute, the pressure boiled over. The Lumberjacks launched a slick attacking sequence that saw Dane Siebens cross the line, redemption for an earlier forward pass. Reeves knocked over the extras to extend the cushion to 25–10.The frustration told for Mexico just minutes later when Chavez was sent to the sin-bin with a yellow card for a cynical breakdown infraction. With the man advantage, the Lumberjacks choked out any hope of a comeback. Strong breakdown work from Payton Teneycke kept Mexico completely starved of clean ball, and Reeves slotted a final penalty goal in the 62nd minute to cap off a commanding 28–10 performance.