USRN

RUNY hosted Gotham Knights Rugby Vs DC Scandals who are both IRG (International Gay Rugby) teams as part of their inclusivity event with the main event against Utah Warriors kicking off after. Conditions were windy at the tip of Brooklyn as the wind blew in from the Atlantic and this showed in the play and in particular the kicking from both teams.

The game was quite for the opening quarter with both teams feeling each other out but it was RUNY who struck first with Conor Wallace-Sims striking for his fourth try of the season. Ben Foden floated a wonderfully weighted pass for Wallace-Sims to stride in and touch down.
Two minutes later, Utah Warriors struck back through US Eagles international player Gannon Moore. However, it was Don Pati who set it up with a terrific solo run and offload to Moore who ran a great support line to finish off the move. Utah led 7-5 after 28 minutes.

RUNY struck back again on the 35th minute after a sustained pressure in the Utah half, Mike Petri sniped around the base of the ruck and popped the pass to Fawsitt to touch down. Fawsitt had been switched to number 8 for this game and looked to be revelling in the switch as he was everywhere on the pitch and the try was a just reward for a terrific first half display.

The game really was a tit for tat affair after the water break as the Warriors once again hit back 3 minutes later. Don Pati finished off a great move in the corner which after some great offloads saw the Warriors move the ball through the line.
At half time the game was tied at 12-12.

Second Half

RUNY started the second half strong, scoring a try on the 46th minute. Connor Wallace-Sims went over for his second try of the evening after a curving run by Cathal Marsh set him up to touch down. RUNY trailed by 2 points with the score 19-17 to Utah Warriors.

Tim O’Malley has been incredibly reliable from the boot so far this season and more often than not backs himself to slot over penalties when within striking range. On the 51st minute, such an opportunity presented itself to O’Malley when he slotted a long range effort to add the three points and give Utah the lead again with the score 22-17 in the Warriors favor.

Just before the second half water break Anthony Parry touched down to give RUNY a 2 point lead at 24-22. RUNY claimed the lineout and a well organized maul saw the RUNY forward cross over the white wash.
The Warriors luck deserted them even further when flanker Lance Williams was sin binned with just over ten minutes to play. RUNY introduced players off the bench who added to the RUNY intensity going forward. Substitute scrum half Marcus Walsh added an extra zip to the RUNY play with some great snipes, keeping the Warriors defence on their toes.

RUNY kept the pressure on and were held up twice towards the end of the game as their forwards attempted to drive over from close in. Ben Foden showed all his experience in the dying moments when RUNY could have attacked the Warriors line for a third time but instead chose to kick the ball out of play knowing that RUNY had secured a winning bonus point.

The game ended 24-22 to RUNY with RUNY moving up to 3rd place in the standings.

Try Scorers

26′ Wallace-Sims (RUNY)
28′ Moore (Utah Warriors)
35′ Fawsitt (RUNY)
38′ Pati (Utah Warriors)
41′ Ika (Utah Warriors)
46′ Wallace-Sims (RUNY)
59′ Parry (RUNY)