North American Rugby Database

Report

Rugby FC LA host the New England Free Jacks at Dignity Health Sports Park in a cross conference clash during week 9 of the 2024 MLR season.

RFCLA were able to put pressure on the Free Jacks early as the visitors mishandled the kick-off, but their defence held firm. LA had the majority of the ball early, but where unable to convert. The Free Jacks began to shift the momentum and 15 minutes in, opened the scoring with an Andrew Quattrin 7-pointer as he broke the LA line. The Free Jacks kept on the pressure and extended their lead to 0-17, before the hosts hit back on the stroke of HT through Jack Shaw for a score of 7-17 at the break.

The Free Jacks would open the second half scoring through a remarkable finish by Reece MacDonald, who dived on a loose ball that was basically in the hands of the LA defender in the try zone. After TMO review the try was awarded, securing the Try BP for the visitors. Unfortunately, MacDonald injured himself in the process, and the Free Jacks will hope that he recovers quickly. Semi Kunatani, a stand out for LA despite his yellow card, would claw one back for LA, but the Free Jacks would score a Jayson Potroz penalty and a 5th try in the closing stages to put the game well and truly to bed.

New England take a 12-34 victory back to Quincy, and are back in the win column. LA will limp on after what was a bad day for the home sides at Dignity Health Sports Park, with Canada having beaten the USA 7-50 in the Women’s Pacific Four Series opener prior to this MLR Game.