LEGION DOMINATE RUGBY ATL ON ROAD, SIT ATOP WESTERN STANDINGS
The Legion pickup another bonus point in a dominant 35-10 win on the road over Ruby ATL.
MARCH 18, 2023 | ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The San Diego Legion had one of their best showings of 2023 in a Round 5 pouncing of Rugby ATL. San Diego posted their highest point total of the season during their road win and received 'Team of The Week' honors from the MLR.
Winger Tomas Aoake got things going early with an acrobatic try in the corner to put the Legion ahead, 5-0, just seven minutes in. This is Aoake's second straight week with a try scored. A Will Hooley conversion brought the lead to 7-0.
Atlanta responded though with a score of their own that was later recognized as 'Try of the Week' by the league.
With the score 7-5, the Legion were awarded a penalty that allowed fly-half Will Hooley to successfully kick for points and extend the lead to 10-5 going into the first hydration break.
Following the stoppage, scrum-half Richard Judd scored his first of two tries for the evening playing advantage due to a dangerous tackle from Rugby ATL. Judd was named to the MLR '1st XV' for the second straight week at the scrum-half position.
Another kick for points awarded by penalty made the score 18-5 in favor of the Legion at the midway point.
Atlanta was able to close the gap for a moment, scoring a try at the 46th minute to cut the lead to 18-10. This was the last time Rugby ATL would score however as it was all Legion from this point on.
At the 51st minute, the Legion were able to score another try by replacement forward Dan Pryor, whose fresh legs made an immediate impact on the match. Replacement fly-half Josh Henderson's conversion was good and the lead was extended to 25-10.
At the 75th minute, the Legion scored their fourth try of the evening by way of replacement prop Nate Sylvia. This secured the bonus point for the Legion by scoring four tries. Sylvia was named to the MLR 'First XV' for his performance in Round 5.
The conversion was no good, and the score was 30-10 with just a few minutes left to play.
The Legion were not done just yet though. A huge breakaway by winger Nate Augspurger led to an easy pick and go try from Richard Judd, his second of the night. At the final whistle, the Legion were victorious 35-10.
San Diego currently sits at #1 in the Western Standings and boasts the best point differential in the competition. The Legion now head into their first of two bye weeks and will play their next game on April 2nd at Snapdragon Stadium. Tickets to that match can be found on our website.
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