Columbia, SC - The University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby team suited up against the University of Kentucky in their second Southeastern matchup of the fall season. The Carolina Gamecocks came out a little slow against an invigorated Kentucky side, and for the first time this season were not the first to score in their match.
The first 15 minutes were tightly contested with the Kentucky pack asserting itself for the first part of the game. “They played very aggressive and very hard,” said USC head coach Mark Morris. “I thought we were going to be in for a long day…..Kentucky is a much improved team, better conditioned and more fluid, but I think we improved as much as they improved.”
The Gamecocks improved their ball handling from a week prior slashing their turnovers in half and managed to up their poach count from two to nine. The extended amount of possession paid dividends for South Carolina. After going down 5 points to Kentucky, the Gamecocks quickly turned the switch on and looked like the Carolina side that we are used to seeing. Sophomore Chris Harrell and Senior Captain Tim Hamill quickly put two scores on Kentucky to push the Gamecocks ahead 14-5. The rest of the first half was consistent with Carolina’s style of play and 3 more tries from Senior James Whipper, Senior Mike Mahon, and again another from Captain Tim Hamill.
The Gamecocks went into the second half and further proved their dominance with several tries scored by junior Cal Austin, Captain Tim Hamill, senior Brain Keown, junior Thomas Coar, and a fourth for Captain Tim Hamill. Ultimately, winning the game 66 to 5. “The things that we wanted to work on, controlling the ball, holding onto it a little bit better, and making some turnovers worked well for us today,” Morris added. “We were able to produce a lot of great ball for the backs.” Man of the Match honors go to senior lock Ben Mather of Cincinnati, OH and senior fullback Tim Hamill of Downingtown, PA.
The second side came with equal vigor and took on the remainder of Kentucky’s team, finishing with a score of 17-6 under the hot Carolina sun. Man of the Match honors go to junior 8 man Will Nunley of Falls Church, VA and freshman fullback Lucas Bosley of Chevy Chase, MD.
And finally, a great showing from Carolina's youngest side at Western Carolina. With steady scoring at the beginning of the match, the flood gates opened once the Gamecocks regained their attack structure. “Solid defense, again, for the third consecutive shutout fending off several attacks within our own five meter line,” said USC coach Steve Darnell. “The side is maturing rapidly, and, with two weeks to prepare for the next match, they will have time to add more options in the attack as well as further develop the defense.” Man of the match honors go to sophomore 8 man Quintin Brinkley of Clemmons, NC for his solid defense and repeated line breaks and freshman scrumhalf Daniel Callahan of Silver Spring, MD for his leadership and consistent delivery of good balls from the ruck and sets.
Up next, South Carolina takes a week off to celebrate Parent’s Weekend, though returns to action Saturday, October 3rd in Nashville, TN when they take on the Commodores of Vanderbilt University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm. Carolina’s reserve side and Palmetto side will be staying home to host the UNC-Charlotte 49ers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm and 3pm. Admission is free to the public. (Click here for full schedule)
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