NA Rugby Database

Recap

The Utah Warriors travel to Mount Vernon to face the Reigning MLR Champion Rugby New York Ironworkers.

The Ironworkers have already clinched their playoff spot, but would need just a single point to secure home field advantage for the Eliminator Round against Old Glory DC. The Utah Warriors were playing for nothing but pride, having been eliminated from playoff contention despite holding an impressive 9-6 record going into this game.

The game was a back and forth affair through the first half. With the two sides alternating try scoring with 3 tries each and NY holding a narrow 19-14 lead going into the break. The Warriors exploded into the second half, however. Joel Hodgson and Calvin Whiting dotted down in the 42nd and 45th minutes respectively to give Utah a healthy lead before NY stabilised and Ishmail Shabazz grounds in the corner in his first game of 2023 to give NY the try BP and clinch home field advantage for the Eliminator Round before Jurie van Vuuren restored the Warriors’ buffer.

DaQuan Perry scored his 1st MLR try at the 70th minute to bring NY back to within 5, before new Utah signing Jesse Hamilton grabbed a try on his debut with seconds remaining to seal the deal for Utah. They finish the 2023 season with a 10-6 record and 50pts. This is the 2nd best record to NOT qualify for the playoffs, and the 3rd best points total to miss.