3rd Game Summery

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Eric Bryan

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Feb 20, 2008, 12:16:22 PM2/20/08

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Belmont 26 Asheville 41

Well what a game these boys where a big set of lads and fast in their pretty blue and white they expected to win and show Asheville how to play rugby since half their team consisted of international players who had learned there craft in South Africa and England. We had a new Captain Marcus and some old face from the past Cowboy at number 8 and Dave Smyth as open side flanker. We were somewhat apprehensive in that ref was the ref form the first game Against Gilford where we had lots penalties.

The game was even in play they made runs from their back line but we shut them down at their inside or outside center. Where we control the rucks and maul wining most of them, driving them of their rucks. Unfortunately, they kept us shut down as well. We spread the ball around very well and ran up the middle driving forward trying to back down the play. They scored two tries in the first half and these were due to interceptions while passing down the line making long passes. We were unable to cross their try line. We came close a number of times but were unable to score losing the ball at the crucial moment.

We won a number of penalties which we kicked for touch to gain ground, or make safe, but when we were in range of goal, we brought Paul up to kick. Unfortunately he missed his first kick which did not seem to impress the other side. We had two more chances in the first half which he converted bring the score to 6-12 at half time.

Belmont was looking tried and a bit bruised, second half we scored but we were unable to covert the kick. We got a penalty which we converted putting us in the lead. We played some good driving rucks and began to wear Belmont down, again made a mistake in making a long pass having run 8 yards and passing but we were intercepted again. Five minutes later they scored again with a controversial try. There man was held up 3 feet from the line and was down on both knees, held up, then managed to lean forward stretched his arms out and scored. There was 12 minutes left in the game Asheville boys with some encouragement from the side, took the game to Belmont hit them hard denying them the ball driving over the rucks, breaking free with good support, attacking quickly, and keeping the ball alive from their kick offs. Asheville boys where psyched up which lead to 3 tries in the last 8 minutes!

Fantastic play by the lads winning scrums against the head, holding the scrums, winning every line output in great interlocking play with number 8 and 9. Marcus great job at fly half and directing the play. It was good to see other players talking, watching, seeing when to committed, or not. It was good to see the backs going into rucks when supporting and getting back out to form the line. Everyone on the team played an excellent game! It was hard to choose man of the match, but it was given to John Larson for is effort in the rucks, get scrappy ball in line outs, even passing the ball out to backs from mauls this was a team game. Everyone did their part and played out of their skins. It also showed that hard work in training, and on fitness drills, paid off.

Well done boys, the best game of rugby I have seen since being here. If we play with that enthusiasm against Triad, we will do some damage. Belmont boys know they were in a game of rugby and that Asheville are not pushovers. Keep it up boys, we are forming a good team and playing a lot better. See you all there Tuesday and Thursday night!