Old Glory DC turned up the heat this week in a high-stakes Eastern Conference clash against Anthem Rugby Carolina — a rematch of their Week 4 battle. With just three games left in the regular season, a win would significantly boost DC’s playoff chances. Anthem, still chasing their first-ever MLR victory, were hungry, but OGDC showed up with intent and firepower.
Old Glory struck first just eight minutes in. After sustained early pressure, Cory Daniel powered through off a maul to notch the opening try. The conversion drifted wide, but DC had the early 5–0 lead. Anthem responded shortly after with some end-to-end action, eventually punching it in under the posts to go up 7–5 by the first-half water break.
DC answered back with authority. In the 23rd minute, a misfired Anthem lineout turned into a quick counterattack. Damien Hoyland sliced through the line, then twisted around defenders to score a brilliant solo try. Jason Emery nailed the conversion to reclaim the lead at 12–7. Just minutes later, Anthem was reduced to 14 men after a dangerous tackle, and DC capitalized immediately. Steffan Hughes broke the line and fed scrumhalf Connor Buckley, who dashed in for another try. Emery added the extras, extending the lead to 19–7.
Just when it looked like the half might end there, Old Glory struck one more time deep into stoppage time. With the ball kept alive through sharp offloads, Tommaso Boni flicked a slick pass to Axel Muller, who dotted it down just inside the corner flag. The halftime whistle blew with OGDC firmly in control — 24–7 — and the bonus point already secured.
Anthem came out swinging after the break, scoring in the 50th minute off short-range pick-and-goes to narrow the gap to 24–14. It was a potential turning point — but DC shut the door. A scrum penalty at midfield gave OGDC a platform, and Emery once again kicked to the corner. Though the maul stalled, the forwards recycled the ball quickly. Buckley scanned wide and flung a pinpoint pass to Perry Humphreys, who finished it in the corner to push the lead to 29–14.
Momentum firmly back in DC’s hands, they kept up the pressure. In the 67th minute, KoiKoi Nelligan powered over from close range to make it 34–14. Then, in the 74th, Ignacio Dotti delivered the final blow. After sharp handling from Hughes and Humphreys, Humphreys was tackled and popped the ball to an on-rushing Dotti who crashed over to seal the deal at 41–14. Anthem managed a late consolation try, but it wasn’t enough. Final score: Old Glory DC 41, Anthem RC 19.
This week’s story? Relentless pressure and ruthless execution. Old Glory strung together their third straight win — a first this season — and surged into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Up next: a massive road test against the defending MLR champions and Eastern Conference leaders, the New England Free Jacks. Kickoff is set for Saturday, May 24th at 5pm ET.
