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Old Glory DC

A Month Of Firsts

April 4, 2024 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Old Glory DC News Release


Coach Simon Cross

Following a gritty preseason where the players came together from all corners of the world, March has been a month of firsts. First time in the USA, first appearances for OGDC, first professional appearances, first wins, first losses and first ties.

Our first game against NOLA was very much a game of 'what ifs' and at 6-0 after 60mins, the game was very much in the balance. We definitely paid the price for not scoring enough points after a dominant first half display, but nonetheless, our trip to the Gold Mine was a valuable experience for a young side.

New England away saw us fight to the bitter end and secure an historic one point win at the home of the Champions, something that nobody had done since 2022. Jason Robertson's last gasp conversation is a kick that will live long in the memory for OGDC fans and owners alike.

Chicago Hounds was the first opportunity for the Old Glory supporters to call the Maryland Soccerplex home. They certainly made it feel like home for the players with 2500 people turning up to cheer the team on. A tie was not the result we were after and although we had opportunities to win the game at the death, we were proud of the team's resilience, especially after Jama's unfortunate red card.

San Diego was our first disappointing performance, we failed to manage the tricky conditions well enough in the first half to give us a realistic opportunity of beating one of the League's big hitters. 11-7 up at halftime wasn't enough of a lead to withstand the onslaught that came our way. In spite of that, the team battled to within five minutes of a losing bonus point, only to fall at the final hurdle. More valuable experience for the team and certainly lessons learnt.

Anthem have improved every week and this was their strongest team yet. A banana skin that will definitely trip up an unprepared or lackadaisical opponent. Whilst we took the opportunity to rest a few players after four physical games, we went to Charlotte with a set piece focus, knowing that this was the advantage that would eventually tell. We were delighted with the efforts of the Forwards, especially the front row. The Backs complimented their slightly less mobile team mates well by scoring three outstanding tries to secure a bonus point win away from home.

2 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie equates to 12 Table Points.

A new coaching and management team. 20 news players, 15 of whom have already played, including three professional debuts, and Jack Iscaro's memorable 50th cap. The journey has only just begun for this new squad.

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