The Glendale Raptors have kept their Elite Cup hopes alive after defeating Seattle-OPSB 49-39 on Saturday night. Knowing that a loss to Seattle-OPSB would likely doom their chances of making the West semi-final, the Raptors came out flying and jumped to a 21-13 lead. But Seattle-OPSB fought back and with a converted try brought the score to 21-20 at halftime. The game would remain close throughout the match as anytime Glendale would put a try up on the board Seattle-OPSB would make it. Scrumhalf Shaun Davies had a huge game for the Raptors from the tee while DeWon Reed had two tries. The Raptors also got key contributions from stalwarts like Zach Fenoglio and Nic Johnson, who appears to finally be healthy after suffering a concussion.
Seattle-OPSB were their try-scoring machine as usual but couldn't put it together on defense. Some of their players like Matt Trouville, Mike Palefau, and Miles Craigwell have been traveling world recently meaning fatigue could have been a factor. Seattle-OPSB not out of the playoffs despite being winless in the competition. A strong win over Denver could propel them into the playoffs if Glendale loses to San Francisco Golden Gate.
SFGG 29-23 Denver
SFGG have all but wrapped up a playoff berth after they defeated the Denver Barbarians 29-23 in Denver on Saturday. The match was the closest of the season for SFGG who are accustomed to putting up more points. Credit should go to Denver who have proven to be better than many expert predictions. Henie McFarland led the way for SFGG with a try and two conversions. Jeff van Meter also had two tries while Danny LaPrevotte and Paula Fukafuka had one each. Denver got three tries from Phillip While and a conversion, penalty, and drop goal from Maximo de Achaval. Denver will face Glendale next with a chance to seal a home playoff match while Denver will play Seattle-OPSB. The winner of that match will have a good chance of making the playoffs.
Life 25-21 Old Blue
In a close match Life defeated Old Blue 25-21 to seal a spot in the Elite Cup playoffs. Life were first to score through an Aaron McMaster penalty before Old Blue responded with one of their own. Old Blue then took a 13-3 lead with another try and penalty. But Life fought back thanks to a Benny Mateialona try shortly before the half. In the second half Life came out firing and went ahead through Cathal Doyle and Benji Goff tries. As was the nature of the game, Old Blue then took a 21-18 lead with only minutes to go. However, a Blake Bradford try shortly their after gave Life a 25-21 win. Life will play NYAC next with the winner hosting the East semi-final.
NYAC 28-22 Boston
New York Athletic Club have also clinched a playoff spot after they defeated a resilent Boston side 28-22. NYAC, who haven't been convincing all season, got tries through Eagles fly-half Toby L'Estrange, Troy Hall, Chris Chapman, Danny Grace, and Conor Coyne. L'Estrange did not have the best day from the tee, which should be a bit of a concern for Mike Tolkin. Potential Eagles Liam Og Murphy got Boston's only try of the match while Richie Lobb had a conversion and five penalties to keep his team in the match. Boston will play Old Blue next in a match for pride.
West:
Team
|
Win
|
Loss
|
Draw
|
SFGG
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
Denver
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
Glendale
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
Seattle-OPSB
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
East:
Team
|
Win
|
Loss
|
Draw
|
Life*
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
NYAC*
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
Old Blue
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
Boston
*Sealed playoff spot. |
0
|
2
|
0
|
Correction: Glendale 49-39 Seattle-OPSB
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