Week 5 kicked off in Savannah with the Shamrocks shaking off the cobwebs from the St. Patrick’s Day Tournament. They came out in Forsyth Park to take on the 2-2 North Atlanta Rugby Club (NARC) who were looking to pick up their second straight league victory after trouncing Macon two weeks ago. Three minutes into the match the Shamrocks earned a penalty from 22m out which was slotted by starting scrum-half, Irving Cruz. (Savannah 3 – NARC 0). Savannah capitalized on the restart through strong forward runs, prolonged possession and good ball handling. Ultimately, the ball found its way out to winger, Timothy Grande, for the try, conversion by Cruz. (Savannah 10 – NARC 0). Savannah was unable to secure the restart by NARC and found themselves playing defense until a misplaced kick by NARC failed to find touch and Grande off loaded the ball to fullback, Elijah Fluker, who wove his way through the NARC defensive line for a try in the 12th minute, conversion by Cruz. (Savannah 17 – NARC 0). The Shamrocks gathered the restart and retained possession through several phases of play. Strong runs by Regnet, Ransome, and Rourke helped to set up a quick ball to the back line which resulted in a nice two man play by Grande and outside center, Charles Campbell, who was able to touch down for the try, conversion unsuccessful. (Savannah 22 – NARC 0). Savannah continued to apply pressure to the NARC defense as they had a long run down to the 22m line and a smart play going weak off the back of the ruck was able to spring winger, Jayson Diekman, for a try in the corner, conversion unsuccessful. (Savannah 27 – NARC 0). NARC took the restart well and forced the ball deep into Savannah territory before they finally earned a penalty allowing them to clear the ball. Two set pieces by the Rocks’ forwards allowed them to push the ball back into NARC territory where they were rewarded by a pick and go try by flanker, Will Garnett, conversion unsuccessful. (Savannah 32 – NARC 0). The restart again saw Savannah able to push the ball deep into NARC territory and in the waning minutes of the 1st half 8-man, Gavin “Try Vulture” Rourke, was able to touch down under the post, conversion by Cruz. (Savannah 39 – NARC 0)
Halftime Score: Savannah 39 – NARC 0
The second half would be a battle of wills as both teams came out ready to prove themselves. With little movement off of the half way line it was slow going for both teams that had several handling errors and a substantial number of scrums and penalties. Finally, in the 66th minute the Shamrocks were able to spin the ball wide and flyhalf, Matthew Midgett, was able to execute a well struck drop goal. (Savannah 42 – NARC 0). The game continued to be a hard hitting affair with neither team able to take advantage of any line breaks until Cruz chipped a kick down the touch line into the try zone which was raced down by hooker, CJ Regnet, for the try in the 77th minute, conversion unsuccessful. (Savannah 47 – NARC 0). With the clock winding down, Savannah elected to rely heavily on their bench which came in and provided the needed spark. Some hard rucking set up an opportunity for Midgett to chip a kick over the NARC back line which was collected by Fluker who raced away from the defense for a 50m try under the post, conversion by Cruz. (Savannah 54 – NARC 0). The final whistle sounded after the conversion and Savannah was able to secure another bonus point victory while more importantly, keeping the opponent out of the try zone for their third consecutive game.
Final Score: Savannah 54 – NARC 0
Back of the Match: Elijah Fluker
Forward of the Match: Will Garnett
Scores from around the league: Athens 28 – Macon 23; Old White 40 – Gwinnett 0; High Country 84 – GRITS 5; Augusta defeated Hilton Head (final score unknown)
