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The Utah Warriors were 34-29 winners over the LA Giltinis on Saturday. The result gives Utah the upper hand ahead of the rematch between the teams in the MLR Western Conference Final.
As was the case in New York vs NOLA Gold and Old Glory DC vs Austin Gilgronis, the match saw non-stop action from the get-go. LA were the first to score. Utah responded through Aston Fortuin. With LA having missed their first conversion and the Warriors landing theirs the home side were 7-5 up after five minutes.
The Warriors added to their lead at the conclusion of the opening quarter. Jurie Van Vuuren showed his strength to power over for five points for Utah. The conversion was off-target, thereby making it a 12-5 scoreline.
Winger Josh Whippy broke to give the Warriors consecutive tries. His break saw Michael Baska sprinting to give Utah try number three. The teams then traded late first half tries. With it the home side held a ten point advantage with a 22-12 half-time lead.
LA scored first in the second half. In a repeat of the opening half, Utah responded swiftly. Hooker Sama Malolo touched down in the try zone for his second score of the match.
The Giltinis were not happy to concede the score. They hit-back two minutes later to narrow the gap to three points. Utah were now leading 27-24 at the completion of the third quarter.
It then looked disastrous for the Warriors as Fraser Hurst was red carded. LA took advantage of the 15 vs 14 men to score and take the lead. Utah looked to their talisman, Mike Te’o in response. The USA Eagle scored to five Utah a five point lead in the final minute.
LA still had a shot at claiming victory. However, this time the Warriors defense held firm. They managed to tackle the Giltinis over the sideline to conclude proceedings with a famous 34-29 win.
Attention now turns to the play-offs. Utah and LA will meet again to crown the Western Conference champion next Sunday, July 25. The winner of the West will take-on the Eastern Conference champion – the winner of Rugby ATL vs Rugby United New York.
SCORING
UTAH 34
Tries – A. Fortuin (5′), J. van Vuuren (21′), M. Baska (24′), S. Malolo 2 (37′, 52′), M. Te’o (78′)
Cons – H. Schulte 2/5 (6′, 79′), C. Whiting 0/1
Red cards – F. Hurst (66′)
LA 29
Tries – A. Channel 2 (1′, 44′), R. James (32′), C. Rodriguez (56′), S. Vularika (74′)
Cons – L. Burton 2/4 (33′, 57′), L. Carty 0/1
TEAMS
UTAH WARRIORS
1 Olive Kilifi (17 Franco van den Berg 54′), 2 Sama Malolo (16 Veremalua Vugakoto 60′), 3 Angus MacLellan (18 Paul Mullen HT), 4 Aston Fortuin, 5 Matt Jensen (19 Saia Uhila 63′), 6 Lance Williams, 7 Bailey Wilson (capt.), 8 Jurie van Vuuren (20 Mike Gieselman 63′), 9 Michael Baska (21 Fraser Hurst 54′), 10 Hagen Schulte, 11 Josh Whippy, 12 Calvin Whiting (22 Logan Tago 72′), 13 Tyler Fisher, 14 Mika Kruse (23 James Vaifale 63′), 15 Mike Te’o
LA GILTINIS
1 Sione Tu’ihalamaka (17 Blake Rogers 25′), 2 Mahe Vailanu (16 Gelen Robinson 54′), 3 Charlie Abel (18 Ma’ake Muti 54′), 4 Nathan Den Hoedt (19 Langilangi Haupeakui 54′ {20 Ben Weischedel 63′}), 5 Luke White (capt.), 6 Sean O’Brien, 7 Christian Poidevin (22 Cyrille Cama 54′), 8 Pago Haini, 9 Cristian Rodriguez, 10 Luke Carty, 11 Adam Channel, 12 Luke Burton (21 Dylan James 68′), 13 Glenn Bryce, 14 Ryan James, 15 Serupepeli Vularika
Not used: 23 John Ryberg
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mike Lash (New Zealand)
Assistants: Kahlil Harrison (USA) & Niku Kruger (USA)
