WPL Match Summary & Video – New York vs Berkeley by Rosie Miesner

New York Rugby Club hosted the Berkeley All Blues at Randall’s Island this past Sunday. Some All Blues were notably absent, as they were attending a USA 7s event, but Berkeley’s depth allowed them to travel with a full roster.

Berkeley kicked off to start, unleashing a physical battle that would persist to the 80th minute. After some back and forth play in NYRC’s half, Berkeley returned a NYRC kick and after several phases scored wide. The try went unconverted, making the score 5-0 Berkeley.

Minutes later, NYRC shouldered their way into Berkeley’s half. Though NYRC’s forward pack disrupted much of Berkeley’s set piece, there was much contention for possession at the breakdown. Though both teams made an effort to concede lost rucks and reset the defensive line under pressure, there were several penalties called at the breakdown throughout the game. Berkeley was penalized for a breakdown infringement and NYRC flyhalf Mary McCarthy kicked to successfully bring the score to 5-3 Berkeley. This scenario would shortly play itself out a second time, bringing the score to 6-5 NYRC at the half.

Rebecca Brafman opened the scoring in the second half with a weak side breakaway try converted by McCarthy. NYRC then made use of their backs and support lines. After a series of passes, McCarthy darted down the field to be tackled by a tireless Berkeley defender and then popped the ball to Nicole Humphrey who touched down the try that remained unconverted.

Berkeley continued to pressure NYRC’s offense. An additional penalty by Berkeley at the breakdown allowed NYRC to kick for touch and set up a lineout at the 5-meter line. NYRC forwards mauled the ball into the try zone, only to have it designated as held up by the referee. This allowed for a 5-meter scrum for the home team who, after a series of supported punches, set-up a try from the breakdown dotted over the line by Rosie Miesner. McCarthy converted, bringing the final score to 25-5 NYRC.

The All Blues and NYRC will match up again at 8:00 am on October 7th in San Francisco.

Match Video

2012 Week 2 New York Rugby Club v Berkeley All Blues from Women's Premier League Rugby on Vimeo.

View the complete 2012 WPL Schedule and Results here.

View all of the match reports from this season here.

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