Rugby New York Hold Off NOLA Gold Comeback

Rugby New York defeated NOLA Gold 36-28 on Sunday, May 1 at JFK Stadium in Hoboken, New Jersey. The match was streamed on The Rugby Network and the replay is available.

In the first meeting between the teams on March 19 at the Gold Mine, Rugby New York beat NOLA Gold 30-19.

Preceding the match, the New York Foundry lost 47-19 to the Toronto Arrows Senior Academy side.

Match Recap

Rugby New York opened the scoring in the 12th minute with Andy Ellis diving for a try from short range and Jack Heighton adding the extras for a 7-0 lead.

An Ellis offloads after a scrum had Kara Pryor scoring to the left of the posts with Heighton converting, 14-0.

NOLA Gold answered back with a try from short range by Kevin Sullivan with Damian Stevens slotting, 14-7.

New York extended their lead with a Dylan Fawsitt try after a 5-meter attacking scrum with Heighton converting, 21-7.

In the 40th minute, a kick ahead by Andy Ellis was gathered on the bounce for Ed Fidow’s 7th try of the season. Heighton continued to be perfect with his boot and New York led 28-7 at the break.

Second Half

Rugby New York’s Jack Heighton extended their lead to 31-7 after a penalty goal in the 51st minute.

Then NOLA Gold began a comeback with tries by Juan Cappiello and Damian Stevens with Stevens converting both, 31-21.

Rugby New York was on the verge of scoring after a line out 5 meters out, but a knock-on thwarted this opportunity.

Instead, a long break by Stevens ended in a converted try to cut the lead to 31-28 with 5 minutes remaining.

New York added a try in the final minute with Dylan Fawsitt adding a brace to win 36-28.

Both teams picked up bonus points with Rugby New York improving to a 7-4 record with 37 points. This is 7 points ahead of the 4th place Toronto Arrows which the team plays away on May 8.

NOLA Gold record fell to 3-9 with 20 points. The team scored three tries in 20 minutes during the second half, but New York held on for the win.

NOLA Gold will regroup as they enter a bye week before hosting Old Glory DC on May 14.