The visiting Boston Rugby Club rebounded from a 19-15 halftime deficit to defeat the New York Athletic Club 35-24. As a result Boston’s record improved to 3-1 while the defending Super League Champion NYAC declined to 2-2.

Each team scored four tries but the difference was the kicking of Boston flyhalf Nick Elrick, who led all scorers with 15 points (three conversions and three penalty goals). Fullback Tim Lenevez was the New York AC’s point’s leader, scoring two fine tries.

Boston went out to a 7-0 lead just two minutes into the match when wing Kyle Marshall scored from a movement that started at midfield. Flyhalf Nick Elrick converted and then added a penalty goal in the sixth minute, 10-0.

The New York AC replied one minute later with a corner try by center Steve Annunziata at the conclusion of a 50 meter drive, 10-5.

Boston increased its lead to 15-5 in the 17^th minute when possession was driven over the line and #8 Brennan Moore touched down.

The AC fought back and were rewarded in the 24^th minute when fullback Tim Lenevez scored between the posts after the AC was awarded a penalty 12 meters from Boston’s line. The conversion by flyhalf Pete O’Brien reduced Boston’s lead to 15-12.

Tim Lenevez got his second try just three minutes later, finishing a multi-player AC break from about the 40. O’Brien’s conversion gave the AC a 19-15 lead.

In the final four minutes of the half, Boston launched an unrelenting attack five meters from NYAC’s line, but the hosts defended valiantly and finally cleared, taking their four-point lead into the break.

The New York AC came out on-fire at the start of the second half, launching a two-minute assault five meters from Boston’s line. But then came the momentum changer. A careless AC pass was picked off by Boston fullback Glen McKenzie, who went the length of the field for a centered try.

Elrick converted and then added a penalty goal in the 16^th minute giving the visitors 25-19 lead.

In the 18^th minute, Boston made another interception and took it 80 meters for a try that was touched down by wing Duran Vota and converted by flyhalf Nick Elrick, 32-19.

Down but still with plenty of fight, the New York AC responded in the 28^th minute with a try from in close by flanker Paul Jesseman, 32-24.

That, however, was all the response the hosts could muster and an insurance penalty goal by Boston’s Nick Elrick in the 35^th minute brought the final tally to Boston 35, New York AC 24.

“We had territorial advantage for the majority of the game but couldn’t finish," said NYAC Head coach Mike Tolkin. "They lived off our mistakes. The long intercept try by the Boston fullback when we were attacking their line at the start of the second half was the turning point.”

Boston 34
Tries: Marshall, Moore, McKenzie, Vota
Convs: Elrick 3
Pens: Elrick 3

New York Atheltic Club 25
Tries: Anunziata, Lenevez 2, Jesseman
Convs: O’Brien 2

Referee: Brian Zappp

Touch Judges: Scott Reilly, Bill Hadkiss