The 3rd week of Rugby Georgia’s season had two matches on the slate with the feature game being played between the Titans and Trojans. 

The feature match of the weekend was the Trojans hosting the Titans at Noonday Park in Marietta, Ga.  On yet another cold and windy Friday evening this game was a tale of two halves. The opening stanza saw Lassiter come out strong and in the 3rd minute the host club won a scrum deep in Titan territory. Captain Shea O’Hanlon fed the ball to flanker Michael Curran who scored from ten meters out for a 5-0 lead. Scrumhalf Freddy Purdy was handling the kicking duties for the Trojans and was perfect in the first half, slotting three penalty kicks and two conversions for 13 points. The Trojans continued to dominate the match and Prop Mohammed Abdullah pounced on a loose ball for the Trojans 2nd try of the half.  At the break the score was 23-0 Trojans.

The second half was a different story as the Titans made adjustments to their back row. After the Trojan’s Abdullah picked up a mishandled Titans pass, he pitched to speed winger Davonte Swann, who sprinted 80 meters to make the score 28-0 (conversion failed). The relentless Titans did not give up and continued taking the game to their opponents. Sean O’Driscoll opened the scoring floodgates for the Titans, scoring from 20 meters out off a penalty to make the score 28-7.  Melvin Contreras scored shortly after and with the successful conversion the score was cut in half, 28-14.  A converted penalty kick by the Trojans Purdy made it 31-14 and that is when the Jean Roberts show started. 

The junior scored three consecutive tries, the final coming in the closing moments to give the Titans a 33-31 lead.  The Trojans had one final chance to kick for points and even though both linesmen signaled the penalty kick was successful the game official ruled the kick wide.  Final score, Titans 33, Trojans 31.

Phoenix v Barbarians lineout.

In other Varsity action at North Park in Alpharetta, Ga., the Phoenix hosted the Barbarians of East Cobb County.  Both sides viewed this game as a developmental exercise with both coaches cognizant that the final result would be less important than the game experience enjoyed.

Phoenix opened strongly, putting together 17 phases through their powerful forwards, before prop Cristian Calvallo plowed over for the opening score. Full back Ollie Kennett duly converted. Phoenix continued to power forward with forwards Campbell Robinson, Ben Fagg, Buni Amodi and Calvallo putting in the short yardage work before cutting loose the elusive Phoenix backs to score. Barbarians defended manfully, making tackle after tackle but the pressure told with the halftime score at Phoenix 52, Barbarians 0.  

Phoenix emptied the benches in the second half with key starters taking an early shower. This led to a far more even and productive second half of rugby with the final score being Phoenix 62, Barbarians 10. Although the score was lopsided on the night, this Barbarians team is clearly a team on the rise and may well pull some surprises as the season progresses. This second half may serve to give them the confidence in their ability that they deserve. 

The league takes a break next week, will have one game on February 26 and will be off the first week of March as the Phoenix travel to Charlotte for Ruggerfest and key players from the Titans and Trojans will travel to Las Vegas as members of the USA South Panthers U18 and U20 clubs to participate in the International 7s tournament.  

JV Division

Only one JV match was played in Week 3.  The newly formed Trojans JV club played the Titans at the conclusion of the varsity match.  The Trojans squeaked out a 22-21 victory in their season opener.  The Trojans were led by Noah Glen’s two tries and scores by Garrett Sadler and Declan Wilson (who successfully made the conversion).