The playoffs loom for New York Athletic Club and Old Blue, and there's hardly a better way to ramp up the intensity for the end of the season than a grand old rivalry game.

NYAC and OBNY don't like each other. The rivalry between these two goes back many years, and is punctuated with respect, close wins and losses, overtimes, and that animosity that can only truly grow with proximity.

This season was no different. The teams played twice in October, with NYAC winning 19-13 on October 2, and 30-25 on October 29. On Saturday, May 6, these two renew their rivalry in a pre-playoff warmup. This game can be seen live on FloRugby.com, with the kickoff at 3pmET, NoonPT.


In the first game between the two, capped Old Blue flyhalf James Bird got his team going with a penalty and a drop goal, however NYAC flyhalf Harry Bennett kicked two penalties to make it 6-6 at halftime.

NYAC has capped players of their own, and Eagle lock/flanker Nate Brakeley broke through for a try in the 2nd half. Bennett hit the crucial conversion. Old Blue got a try from capped winger Luke Hume, and Bird converted to tie the game 13-13.

But midway through the second half Bennett added a penalty. Old Blue got a yellow card late, and Bennett added another. 

In the second game between the two, former Delaware standout Chris Mattina scored for NYAC in the opening five minutes. Bennett converted, added a penalty, and then converted Justin Hundley's try for a 17-0 NYAC lead. Old Blue inched back, but two more kicks from Bennett and then a converted try from the flyhalf put the game away. Old Blue scored two tries in the final 15 minutes, but that just closed the gap.

Will this game be any different? Unlikely. Watch for some big hits, and plenty of intensity. The teams' national team players seem to make an impact in these sorts of contests, and it's clear goalkicking will be crucial.