The Portland Pigs have officially clinched a spot in the playoffs. It's their first playoff berth in approximately ten years.
Portland traveled to Seattle area once again to take on the Eastside Axemen. Eastside played the role of spoiler last season when Portland was making their first playoff run in a decade. Portland fell short, at the hands of a last minute loss to Eastside on their home field.
Well, Portland wasn't going to have any of that this season. Although they were down early 20-3, the Pigs battled their way back into the game, tied the score at 20-20 in the 2nd half, and ended up winning by 15 points.
With only one match left before the playoffs, the top of the standings look like this:
Portland 9-1-1 38 pts
Snake River 9-1-0 36 pts
Tsunamis 6-4-1 26 pts
ORSU 4-6-0 16 pts
Eastside 4-6-0 16 pts
Here is the ref's almost unreadable match report, if you care.
Eastside came out strong, rucking Portland of their own ball and jumping out to a 17-0 lead half way through the first half. Portland didn't waiver and regrouped to even the match at half 20-20. Portland kept their momentum to start the second half by kicking the ball out wide from open play, Eastside had difficulty handling the kicks leading to great field position for Portland. Portland was able to capitilize and score. Final 42-27 Portland
