The New York Athletic Club beat Life 12-5 Saturday in boggy conditions in Marietta, Ga. Weather left the field saturated and the ball slippery, leading to numerous knock-ons and slipped up runners.

New York led 7-0 at halftime, and Life got on the board near the 60-minute mark before the AC went up by a converted try.

NYAC coach Bruce McLane said the game was exceedingly physical, with Neil McMillan, Brian Doyle and James Denise leading the charge for the NYAC forwards. No. 8 Al McFarland scored both tries for the AC, one of which fullback Justin Hundley converted.

“It was a big forwards game. It was muddy weather, but both teams were playing great defense. A lot of hard-hitting, a lot of rucking,” said NYAC wing Kyle Granby.

“They tried kicking a lot and tried to put us on our back heel, but me, Rob Johnston and [Hundley] were countering really well and had a lot of support from our forwards. Overall, it was a lot of great rucking, and that’s what mattered.”