Nashville, TN - The University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby team suited up against Vanderbilt University in their third Southeastern matchup of the fall season. After a slow start, only scoring 5 converted tries in the first half, the Carolina Gamecocks scored 8 tries, converting 5, in the second half to come away with a 85-0 victory in Nashville.
First half tries came from wing Brett DeBoy, fullback Tim Hamill (x2), lock Sam Brennan, and wing James Whipper. Scrum half Brian Keown was 5/5 on conversions to close out the first half at 35-0 in favor of the Gamecocks. “The team started to sync between the forwards and the backs and hit its mid season stride,” said USC head coach Mark Morris.
The Gamecocks went into the second half with a strong run by Keown, knifing through defenders 40 meters out for the try. Keown set up the next score with a box kick to Brennan under the posts. Brennan followed up with a run of his own from midfield to complete the hat trick and bring the score to 54-0. The pack, under the leadership of Ben Mather, overpowered the Vandy line from 30 meters out with repeated pick 'n' go's and mauls, expanding the lead to 61-0. Not to be outdone, the backs strung together an impressive phase beginning with a 40 meter run by center Sean Barnes who spun it wide to Whipper for points in the corner. Keown would follow up with an offload to Hamill who touched it down between the posts for a hat trick of his own. A clever display of passing by Hamill and the 'Aussie Trio' led to a try by flanker Callan Austin. 8 man Quintin Brinkley rounded out the second half with a clean scoop from 20 meters out to earn his first points on the premier side, ending the match with the Commodores. Man of the match honors go to senior prop Ben Mather of Cincinnati, OH for his solid defense and repeated carries off the ruck, and senior scrumhalf Brian Keown of Newton Square, PA for his leadership, consistent delivery of good balls, and for converting 10 of 13 tries.
“I'm proud of our performance this weekend against the Commodores,” added Morris. "We continue to look forward to each week as an opportunity to work on our weaknesses and continue to sharpen our skills. Right now, everything seems to be clicking for us, though there is always something we can improve upon. Overall, we played all 23 players today with the reserves providing a solid performance, especially the three freshmen and lone sophomore who saw valuable game time. I also want to thank the parents that made the trip to Nashville to see their sons play and support the team."
Up next, South Carolina travels to Conway, SC on Sunday, October 11th to face the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 noon. A reserve match will follow directly afterwards. Carolina’s Palmetto side match against the College of Charleston has been postponed due to the weather. Admission is free to the public. (Click here for full schedule)
