Rugby New York Take Down NOLA Gold in a Hoboken Thriller
Rugby New York have withheld a second half surge from New Orleans for a crucial win in Hoboken.
It was another electric atmosphere in Hoboken; both teams came to play and took advantage of the dry (and stunning) 65 degree weather with some exhilarating running rugby.
Rugby New York kicked things off with a four try first half. It all started with veteran scrum-half Andy Ellis, who ducked his way over the line after a vintage show and go.
Next up was Kara Pryor, who scored under the sticks to finish off a play started by Jason Emery and Ellis at the 40 meter line. Off the back of the scrum, Ellis fed a flat pass to Emery on a hard inside line to slice straight through the defence. Jack Heighton converted both of the opening tries, 14-0 to New York.
New Orleans replied with a try of their own to prop, Kevin Sullivan. New York responded through another attacking raid finished off close to the line by the Butcher, Dylan Fawsitt.
The first half concluded with a thrilling passage of play to see New York extend their lead to 28-7. It was started by a Brendon O'Connor pilfer followed by some quick thinking from Ellis who saw an empty backfield. He kicked ahead for winger Ed Fidow to chase, Ed collected the ball at the 30 meter line and sprinted away for New York's fourth try of the match.
The second half opened with a Jack Heighton penalty kick to extend the lead to 31-7. From here, it was all New Orleans who began their second half comeback with a try to Juan Cappiello. Just moments later, they were in again through scrum-half, Damian Stevens. Stevens finished and started a thrilling try from a quick tap at the opposition 30 meter line.
The Gold continued to disrupt the tighter New York attack, and saw the results through another try with just 5 minutes remaining. 31-28.
In what was a very nerve wracking last 5 minutes for fans of both teams, New York held on and scored their fifth try at the death through a rolling maul finished by Fawsitt.
An ecstatic (and relieved) crowd saw New York advanced to a 7-4 record in the '22 season. They next travel to Toronto to take on the Arrows and what will be another big challenge this season.
A big thank you to every one that came out to support the boys!
We're now getting to the business end of the season on the push to the playoffs - with just 2 home games left. Come be a part of the non-stop action at Hoboken and join us for next game against the 2x MLR Champions from the West, the Seattle SeaWolves. Click here to learn more.
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