GLENDALE – The Glendale Raptors continued to pull away in the Pacific Rugby Premiership standings by virtue of their 51-31 win over Olympic Club on Saturday afternoon. The win extended their current winning streak to five games including three in a row at Infinity Park. It was a positive result, but a game full of highs and lows for the Raptors.
After struggling to be the first team to score in several of their previous matches, the Raptors opened up against Olympic with a 5-0 lead on a try from Brett Willis.
“We’re really happy that we got the game starting on our terms.” Glendale Raptors head coach Andre Snyman said. “It’s something we spoke about at training: starting the game with a high intensity and scoring the first try.”
Olympic would answer with a converted try to take a 7-5 lead, but it would be their only one of the game. Multiple tries from Dustin Croy, including one of 70 meters would help propel Glendale to a 37-10 halftime lead.
“I had a couple tries but they were definitely team tries,” said Croy, who earned theRaptors Sports Authority Man of the Match honors.
“Croy is the kind of player that gives 100 percent every game.” Added Snyman. “He’s a very elusive runner and I thought his work rate was very high yesterday.”
It was a tale of two halves however, as Olympic Club drew the score back within 37-24 with seven minutes remaining.
“We were looking to build on our lead but we couldn’t get our continuity together with all the penalties.” Croy explained. “We need to come out in the second half and be as strong as the first half.”
The Raptors eventually managed to close out their opponents with two converted tries in the waning minutes to extend the score at 51-24. But Olympic would manage the final try of the game, putting the game’s final score at 51-31.
“We went out there to do the job and we got the ‘W’ but we are not really happy with the way we played.” Snyman concluded. “We feel like we let ourselves down by allowing them to get back into the game but it’s something we’ll address this week.”
The Raptors will continue a six-game PRP home stand against Old Mission Beach on March 21 with kickoff set for 3 p.m.
Tickets are free to the public for the March 21 match at Infinity Park.
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