NOLA Gold’s hopes of securing a playoff spot ended in their 22-10 loss to the San Diego Legion on Sunday night.
The Gold claimed the first lead of the game with a penalty goal by vice-captain and fullback Jean-Pierre Eloff that put them up 3-0 five minutes in.
After back and forth action for the majority of the half, San Diego struck with consecutive tries in a five-minute spurt just before halftime.
Paddy Ryan powered in for a try from just outside NOLA’s five-meter line, giving San Diego the 7-3 lead in the 32nd minute.
After the ensuing kick off, NOLA attacked into Legion territory, but Josh Furno picked off a pass, taking it the other way.
Furno then offloaded to Jasa Veremalua who touched it down for the score that extended their lead to 14-3 in the 37th minute.
San Diego opened the second half with another score in the 44th minute, as Mike Te’o dotted it down, giving them the 19-10 lead.
Just minutes later, NOLA answered.
Nick Feakes forced a turnover and ran deep into San Diego territory. After a few forward punches, Nikola Bursic scored a try that cut the lead to 19-10 in the 50th minute.
This would be NOLA’s final points as the Legion (12-3-1, 61 points) held up defensively and scored their final points with a penalty goal in the 62nd minute from Joe Pietersen.
NOLA finished the game with eight penalties and 11 knock-on’s in the loss and ended the year with a record (9-7, 53 points) record.
In the heart of New Orleans, where the vibrant culture meets the
San Diego, CA -- NOLA GOLD fell to the San Diego Legion
In the dynamic and physically demanding world of professional rugby, Callum Botchar
New Orleans, LA -- NOLA Gold fell to the Chicago Hounds on Saturday,
Ed Fidow, a notable Samoan rugby star, shares insights from his journey