Match Report: Ironworkers Earn First Season Win in New Stadium

First Half

The Ironworkers set the tempo early on by maintaining possession. Following a lineout, Dylan “The Butcher” Fawsitt pushed his way into the try zone to make it 5-0 Ironworkers at the 7-minute mark.

Moving the ball down the field helped set up more scoring opportunities for the Ironworkers. The relentless force from Brendon O’Connor awarded the Ironworkers with their second try of the game moments after he had his try initially called back. It was 10-0 Ironworkers at the 25-minute mark.

New York’s defense had an immediate impact on the offense. At the 38-minute mark, a turnover led to a shifty carry from Jack Heighton, who broke tackles and made defenders whiff on his way to the 15-meter line. The run led to a yellow card against the Arrows, and New York took the points with a Sam Windsor penalty goal to make it 13-0 nearing the half’s end.

Second Half

New York picked up right where it left off. Excellent passing and tackle-breaking ability allowed for a try by captain Nate Brakeley at the 41-minute mark. Windsor’s conversion made it 20-0.

Needing points on the board, the Arrows took a penalty goal at the 43-minute mark to make it 20-3.

Those would be the last points allowed by the Ironworkers the rest of the way, and they continued to step on the gas. Another lineout led to a powerful drive pushing Kaleb Geiger across the try zone. Windsor’s conversion made it 27-0 at the 54-minute mark.

New York’s ball movement following lineouts could not be stopped. At the 61-minute mark, Fa’asiu Fuatai scored a try, and Windsor nailed the conversion to make it 34-3.

The Ironworkers weren't finished on offense. An electric carry by Ed Fidow got New York inside the 10-meter line. Quick side-to-side passing eventually found Eamonn Matthews, who scored his first career try in his debut. This made the score 39-3 at the 68-minute mark, which would be the final.

Loud Crowd Providing a Spark

Rugby New York faithful came to Mount Vernon and drew one of the team’s largest home crowds. Despite the cold weather, the crowd was loud throughout the match. The energy in the stands was felt by the players who made sure to put on a show in their new home.

Looking Ahead:

The win was the first in the career of new head coach James Semple. Scoring more than four tries got the Ironworkers a bonus point to add to the four points earned in the win. New York now sits in first place in the Eastern Conference with five points and a 22-point differential through two games. They are currently the only team in the league to not allow more than one try on the season.

The Ironworkers return to Memorial Stadium this Sunday at 3pm in a match against Old Glory DC who sit in second place in the Eastern Conference. For tickets to this game and future Rugby New York games, click here.

Written by Jason Piccolomini.

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