Old Glory DC Erases Early Anthem RC Lead

Siaosi Nai scored two tries in the second half 

GERMANTOWN, Md. (June 1, 2024) – Anthem Rugby Carolina fell in a tight match to Old Glory DC, 47-29, on Saturday evening at the Maryland Soccerplex. Anthem RC is on the road again on Sunday, June 9 against San Diego Legion at 4:00 p.m. (ET). All matches can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Anthem Rugby Carolina took a quick lead in the third minute with a try by Cael Hodgson in the aftermath of a big tackle by Junior Gafa. A poor lineout by Old Glory DC was collected by Anthem RC, and Gafa dotted down the second try of the match for the visitors in the seventh minute to take a 0-12 lead.

A lengthy run by DC and a quick pass led to the first points of the match for Old Glory in the 15th minute. Old Glory DC continued the offensive pressure and scored out of a maul in the 20th minute to tie the score, 12-12.

Neither team scored again until DC took its first lead of the game in the 44th minute, 19-12. The hosts scored again in the 52nd minute for the team’s second try while Anthem RC was short handed due to a yellow card.

Siaosi Nai found a wide open channel in the middle of the pitch for a seven-point try in the 63rd minute, keeping Anthem RC within reach. Only three minutes later, DC added another try. 

Nai notched a brace with his second try of the evening after entering as a substitute. His score earned another bonus point in the table for Anthem RC. Te Rangatira Waitokia added the fifth try of the night in the 78th minute. 

NOTABLES:

• Sebastien Zaridze made his first start for Anthem RC.
• Siaosi Nai scored two tries as a substitute for Anthem RC.
• Steffan Crimp made his debut for Anthem RC.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Anthem Rugby Carolina faces San Diego Legion on the road on Sunday, June 9 at 4:00 p.m. (ET). All matches can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.