Rugby United New York Strong at Home Beating Glendale Raptors

Rugby United New York defeated the Glendale Raptors 31-19 at MCU Park in Brooklyn on Sunday, March 24 and moved into second place in the MLR standings.

Next Saturday, March 30, Rugby United New York will travel to San Antonio, Texas to play Austin Elite Rugby at Toyota Field. The Glendale Raptors will host NOLA Gold at Infinity Park.

Match Recap

The Glendale Raptors had the first scoring opportunity after a penalty by Rugby United New York but elected to kick to touch instead of at goal. (This would be the pattern of both teams in trying to score tries.) The Raptor’s decision didn’t result in points as Germishuys was forced into touch after the maul.

RUNY would score first after a penalty as Mike St. Claire’s show and go, resulted in the first try. Chris Mattina then slotted the kick to lead 7-0.

The Glendale Raptors answered back with a dummy by Dylan Taikato-Simpson for a long try. Will Magie then converted to knot the match at 7 all.

James Denise added a try from close range with Mattina slotting the kick and Dylan Fawsitt then mauled his way over the line to lead 19-7.

Then it was the Raptors turn to attack from consecutive lineouts after RUNY penalties. After multiple phases, however, a forward pass halted their attack. RUNY countered from the scrum with a Ross Deacon run, a Luke Hume grub and Mark O’Keeffe finished with the team’s fourth try of the half for a 24-7 lead at the break. The team also picked up a valuable bonus point, which is meaningful with the close race at the top of the standings.

Just prior to the break, James Denis picked up a yellow card for multiple infractions by RUNY.

Second Half

The Glendale Raptors took advantage of RUNY being down a man after multiple phases as Shaun Davies scored to cut the lead to 24-12.

RUNY answered back with a long break by St. Claire and Mark O’Keefe took a pass on the burst for a try, with Mattina converting to push the lead to 31-12.

Glendale added a final try by Robbie Petzer that was converted by Magie to cut the lead to 31-19.

The Raptors fought hard to gain a converted try that could have resulted in two bonus points. Glendale reached deep inside RUNY territory, but the defense held and Rugby United New York claimed a 31-19 win.

The Glendale Raptors named Dylan Taikato-Simpson as Man of the Match, while the RUNY Roosters Supporters suggested Mike St. Claire. Others might make a case for Mark O’Keeffe for his two tries or for Luke Hume and his tenacity on defense and in the attack.

With the win, Rugby United moved into second place in the MLR standings with 28 points. NOLA Gold tops the table with 31 points. The Glendale Raptors maintained the 4th place with 23 points.