The weather has got the best of the Carolina’s Rugby League(CRL) the past two weekends, forcing both of the Wolfpack’s games to be rescheduled. The weather almost got them again this weekend, but both teams decided to play through it. USC came to the Wolfpack’s back-up field located on Method Rd, which at the start of the day, was covered in snow. The snow melted as the day went on, to reveal the lack of grass, and the sloppy mud underneath. Needless to say, it was a messy day for rugby, as the final score suggests.

NC State won the toss, and opted to receive the kick to start off the game. During the first half, both NC State and USC were pretty fairly matched. USC was the first to close in on scoring, although NC State held strong and kept a 5 meter penalty run from slipping in. USC skillfully used slowball to press the Wolfpack’s defense, although it did not result in a try, a penalty kick in front on the posts placed USC on the board first 3-0. Shortly afterwards, USC ended up in the same situation and were closing in on the Wolfpack tryline, though this time the Wolfpack failed to keep them out and allowed a score. USC Missed the conversion to make the score 8-0. The Wolfpack did not back down, and went on the attack. On USC’s half, a penalty was awarded to the Wolfpack. Will Teague put the ball through the uprights for a clean penalty kick, changing the score to 8-3. In the last minute of the half, a chip and chase by outside center Brandon Mosiman allowed him to outrun the defense and score a try on the corner. The score was all tied up at 8-8.

The second half was controlled by the Wolfpack for all but the last 10 minutes.The Wolfpack had their fair share of attacking opportunities to put up more points, although a combination of the weather and USC’s defense kept us out of the tryzone. In a questionable call, tighthead prop Abe Harman carried a few USC players into the tryzone, although the try was ruled held-up. NC State’s scrums were strong, producing a clean ball for our backs to work with, but the unsure footing prevented them getting into their rythm. As mentioned before, NC State controlled much of the second half, although USC put together a strong comeback in the last 10 minutes lead by their forward pack. USC’s pack executed a slowball very well, going phase after phase in hope that they could grind down the Wolfpack forwards and suck in the backline. USC used this technique move farther and farther into the Wolfpack’s territory, retaining possession very well. The last 5 minutes of the game was held within 10 meters of the Wolfpack’s try zone, and NC State stood strong in their defense of the slowball. USC pressed the Wolfpack hard, but a penalty was awarded to the Wolfpack on the 1 meter line, and the game was ended with the ball making it to touch.

The Wolfpack have got off to a a great start in this Carolina’s Rugby League, beating one D1 team and drawing with the other they have played so far. Around the league, UNC beat App State 20-16 at home, Wake Forest beat Clemson 21-15, and on Sunday UNC beat Wake Forest 75-19 at Wake Forest. Vists the CRL website at http://www.carolinasrugby.com/ to get the official standings. This weekend, the Wolfpack travels to Wake Forrest, and on Sunday hosts App State. Come support the Wolfpack, as they attempt to win the first CRL cup!

NC State’s starting lineup:

1 Mark Addison

2 Steven Bahner

3 Abe Harman

4 Eddie Youngs

5 Matt Daniels

6 Phillip Burcal

7 Matt Pace

8 Andrew Birch

9 Craig Maxwell

10 Robby Dow

11 Tim Vinick

12 Will Teague

13 Brandon Mosiman

14 Bryan Maxwell

15 Greg Hesler

Subs: none

A side scoring:

Will Teague: 1 pk, 3 points

Brandon Mosiman: 1 try, 5 points

A side scoring totals:

Will Teague: 1 conversion, 4 PK, 14 points

Greg Hesler: 1 try, 5 points

Bryan Maxwell: 1 try, 5 points

Brandon Mosiman: 1 try, 5 points

Article by: Phillip Burcal