Life's win over NYAC may have grabbed most of the headlines in the ARP's spring opening weekend but it was Old Blue's 31-13 win over Boston that may provide the best storyline the rest of the season. With the win Old Blue are now just four points in back of NYAC. If Old Blue can hold their own against an Eagles depleted Life team in a few weeks or if NYAC stumbles without their Eagles, Old Blue could capture a spot in the DI playoffs with a win over NYAC when the two teams play at the end of the season. Old Blue have also now put six points between themselves and Boston effectively knocking Boston out of the playoff chase.
As you would expect with two teams well familiar with each other Saturday's match was a battle that was really only decided in the second half. Richie Lobb got things started for Boston with a penalty in the 7th minute before a try from Mike St. Claire and conversion from James Bird gave Old Blue a lead they wouldn't surrender. The return of Bird from injury is going to be huge for Old Blue this spring.
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Boston wouldn't help themselves with a red card and it wouldn't be long before Old Blue took advantage. St. Claire would score his second try roughly 30 minutes in before Lobb would score his second penalty of the match to make it 12-6 at halftime.
The second half was all Old Blue. First Nate Augspurger scored 13 minutes into the half and then three minutes later. Only four minutes after that it was Sam Scroggins turn to score. Bird hit two of the three conversions and Old Blue led 31-6. Boston would get a final try as consolation through Colin Yip.
Old Blue have to be thrilled to come away with the win heading into their bye weekend. It's not the best time to have a break but when they return they will take on the Boston Irish Wolfhounds. Boston will face NYAC next week. They still have hope of making the playoffs but will need a lot of help the rest of the way and will most likely need to beat Life, something that is looking like no team will accomplish.
Old Blue
Tries: St. Claire (2), Augspurger (2), Scoggins
Conversions: Bird (3)
Boston
Tries: Yip
Conversions: Lobb
Penalties: Lobb, Biastrocchi