RFCLA grind out win and bonus point in NOLA
Rugby Football Club Los Angeles dug deep and came away with their second consecutive win, grinding out a 31-24 victory over NOLA Gold at the Gold Mine.
Despite less possession, territory, and kicking meters, RFCLA made every touch count—more tackles, more carries, more tries—walking away with the bonus point. With Seattle falling to Utah later in the night, RFCLA are poised for a crucial climb up the ladder.
Jurie van Vuuren was physical and relentless, but Billy Meakes stole the headlines. The center turned in a fearless performance: 14 tackles, 13 carries, two offloads, three defenders beaten—and even a trip to the blood bin didn’t keep him down. Taped up and back on the pitch five minutes later, Meakes helped drive the ship when it mattered most.
Jack Shaw opened the scoring with a clinical seven-pointer under the posts. NOLA answered with two tries but missed a conversion, leaving the door open. Gonzalo Bertranou pounced, crossing twice in quick succession in the 27th and 32nd minutes. Christian Leali’ifano added one conversion, Ben Houston crashed over in the 39th to seal a first-half bonus point. At the break, RFCLA led 24-12.
Down a man early in the second half, RFCLA conceded a try as Andrew Coe leveled things up just before the hydration break. Then came Meakes’ bloodied return, followed by more defensive grit. Despite a second yellow card and another late NOLA try, RFCLA held firm to close out the win, 31-24.
RFCLA will look to make it three wins in a row, as they take on Old Glory DC this Saturday, March 29, form 3pm at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA. Tickets available here.
