NCSU vs. UNC-P & Bragg Sept 27, 2008

NC State travelled to Fort Bragg to take on UNC Pembroke and the Fort Bragg Rugby Football Clubs in a round robin on Saturday Sept. 27, 20008. The short matches were played on a warm humid day with a good number of spectators cheering on their teams.

NC State opened up against UNC Pembroke with a mixed side taking the field. Several State players were in alternate positions to test their skills. Pembroke showed they were ready to challenge as both sides began with solid, aggressive play. Neither club was able to string together more than a few phases of play, but NC State was able to score first as Carl Hoitt made a rolling move off of a maul from lineout to put 5 on the scoreboard. Parker Olsen converted the kick and State was up 7-0. Play continued, but poor ball control and penalties resulted in numerous stoppages. Carl Hoitt took the ball off of a penalty 15 m out and carried several defenders into goal as he grounded the ball. Parker Olsen converted the kick to put State up 14-0. Pembroke came back and began to string several phases of play together and threatened to score several times, but State was able to defend and recover the ball. A penalty once again allowed for the start of State’s ball movement and after several solid phases a quick pass to flyhalf Will Teague allowed him to charge into goal. The conversion was missed bringing the score 19-0. Play continued for several minutes before the referee’s whistle ended the match with NC State over UNC Pembroke 19-0.

NC State’s second match against Fort Bragg started out as a flat slugfest for both teams and continued that way throughout the match. Neither side seemed to be up to their potential as numerous penalties and knock ons kept either side from gaining any advantage. Fort Bragg attacked with a quick pick and run style that had them set up close to goal several times but NC State’s defense rallied with strong play from Craig Maxwell. Unfortunately State’s offensive series were short as they were unable to coordinate between the forwards and the backs. The referee blew the final whistle with two tired teams looking at 0-0 scoreboard. Both clubs agreed that they needed a winner and went to a gentleman’s agreement for sudden death. State kicked off to Bragg who attacked aggressively with solid play from both their forwards and backs and were able to grind the ball in for a try, ending the match with Fort Bragg over NC State 5-0.

Match summary prepared by Coach Jeremy Goodwin