Savannah’s men traveled to Atlanta to take on the #2 ranked, High Country Rugby Club, in their second straight matchup against #2 ranked opponents in the Georgia Rugby Union. With an early leave time from Savannah in order to make it to the 12:00pm kickoff time many of the Shamrocks showed up with sleep still in their eyes. The first eye opener was the condition of the pitch which has suffered from heavy rains during the week and still had several large standing puddles of water. The only other eye opener they needed was a strong showing in terms of numbers that High Country was prepared to employ against the Shamrocks quest for a second consecutive undefeated GRU regular season. From the openings whistle it was clear this was going to be a very physical game. After withstanding an opening onslaught from High Country, Savannah was able to push the ball deep into enemy territory and were rewarded after several strong runs from the forward pack allowed for 8-man, Derick Howard, to crash over the try line for the score, conversion by Matthew Midgett. Savannah 7 – High Country 0. After numerous scrums due to extremely wet conditions and poor ball handling by both sides, the forwards once again went to work using strong crash ball runs. In the 18th minute, flanker, CJ Regnet was able to drive a pile of defenders back and over their try line to score, conversion unsuccessful. Savannah 12 – High Country 0. High Country would take control over the time of possession; however, the Rocks defense was up to the task snuffing out the opponents attack again and again. Finally, Savannah was able to take advantage of a High Country penalty and find touch 5m from their try line. A well executed line out and maul allowed for flanker, Will Garnett, to cross the line and score with help from the entire forward pack, conversion unsuccessful. Savannah 17 – High Country 0. Savannah’s inability to field restarts cleanly caught up with them when High Country answered back immediately. High Country was able secure possession and after three quick phases of play were able to find their winger uncovered for a try in the corner, conversion unsuccessful. Savannah 17 – High Country 5. High Country attempted to jump on their new found momentum and were able to quickly pressure the Rocks. For the final 5 minutes of the half the Rocks were able to defend their goal line from several phases of play by High Country and were ultimately able to keep them from scoring when a goal line tackle forced a knock on, ending the half.
Halftime Score: Savannah 17 – High Country 5
The second half started with better ball handling from both sides although the penalty count had a rapid increase. High Country attempted to kick for territory early in the half and were surprised at Savannah’s ability to counter kicks well. On a third kick from High Country, Savannah’s outside center, Elijah Fluker, was able to punish the opponent with a great counter and strong run, breaking several tackles en route to the try, conversion by Fluker. Savannah 24 – High Country 5. Savannah was forced to play the remainder of the game under stressful conditions with 5 of their starting backs playing out of position due to injury and were able to put together their best effort under unusual circumstances. High Country showed no signs of quit and had little mercy for Savannah’s injury problems. In the 55th minute, High Country was rewarded with a forward try after maintaining possession for several phases inside of Savannah 22m line, conversion unsuccessful. Savannah 24 – High Country 10. In the 70th minute High Country would again strike against an exhausted Savannah back line. High Country’s wing made a strong cut back in from the touch line catching the defense out of position and was able to score a try under the post, conversion successful. Savannah 24 – High Country 17. High Country sensed that they had all the momentum and continued to push the Rocks’ players who appeared to have run out of gas. Tensions also ran high between the teams as several rucks and tackles nearly boiled over into handbags. Savannah was able to keep a cooler head and were ultimately rewarded with a penalty near the opponent’s goal post. Knowing that the additional 3 points would not only help to secure a more comfortable lead in the game but also eliminate any bonus point opportunity for High Country. Fluker’s kick was true to the mark and Savannah’s lead was extended. Savannah 27 – High Country 17. The game would end near midfield after 2 more minutes of play, much to Savannah appreciation. The end result of another bonus point victory for Savannah means that they have clinched the #1 seed in the GRU playoffs with one more regular season game to play. Next week Savannah will play Macon where they will attempt to finish their second straight undefeated GRU regular season at home in Daffin Park.
Final Score: Savannah 27 – High Country 17
Man of the Match: James Knuppenburg
