Giltinis Hoist Champagne Cup After Win Over New York

LA Giltinis beat Rugby New York 43-0 on Sunday, April 10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to win the Champagne Cup.

It was a dominant effort for the Giltinis as they scored six tries and won their fourth straight match, moving them into second place in the Western Conference.

For Rugby New York it was a day of attrition, with players exiting due to HIAs and other injuries. It is hoped that Andrew Coe, who was knocked out after contact with a knee to the head, recovers quickly.

Rugby New York remains in third place in the Eastern Conference and has a bye week before hosting the New England Free Jacks on April 24.

The Giltinis host the Houston SaberCats next week.

A replay of the match is available on The Rugby Network.

Match Recap

The Giltinis opened the scoring with a Christian Poidevin try following a maul, with Orene Ai’i’s conversion wide, 5-0.

New York attacked with multiple phases, but a knock on thwarted their effort. Will Tucker left early with an HIA and was replaced by Joe Basser.

Following an attacking scrum from 8 meters, Hanco Germishuys scored a try with Ai’i adding the extras, 12-0.

New York add a second player exiting early with Jason Emery replaced by Jack Heighton.

LA added another try by Harrison Goddard under the posts after a strong run by Ben LeSage and a bonus point try by DJustice Sears-Duro before the break with Ai’i converting again, 26-0.

Rugby New York went through phases and an apparent try by Ed Fidow was ruled that he stepped into touch prior to grounding. A penalty advance gave New York an attacking scrum. A repeat infringement sent Sears-Duru to the bin, but New York could not capitalize, as a ball went forward off the hands of a player.

Second Half

The Giltinis extended their lead to 29-0 after a scrum penalty led to an Ai’i penalty goal.

There was concern throughout the stadium when Andrew Coe slipped and collided with a knee, rendering him unconscious. He was carted off the field and our thoughts that he is alright.

New York looked on the verge of scoring after going through multiple phases before a knock on deep inside LA territory turned the ball over.

Rugby New York had another HIA with Wilton Rebolo exiting and Kaleb Geiger returning to the match at hooker. Soon after, Les Leuluaialii-Makin was sent to the bin.

The Giltinis added a fifth try after a pop pass by Luke White to John Ryberg in the 64th minute. Troy Lockyear was injured on the play and after Luke Burton slotted the conversation, Lockyear left the match with the team playing down a man for the rest of the match.

Ryberg would add another try seven minutes later after picking up a loose ball. Burton then added the extras to lead 43-0.

Rugby New York had one final attempt to avoid a shutout, but could not score.

With the win, the Giltinis reclaimed the Champagne Cup.

Photo: Getty Images