Gamecocks survive Georgia 25-22

South Carolina defeated a talented and resilient Georgia side 25-22 Saturday in Athens. The Gamecock B-side also won 28-21.

Playing without their starting scrumhalf and flyhalf, the Gamecocks struggled at times to take advantage of overloads, while the forward pack dominated set pieces. Trailing 19-17 midway through the second half, two clutch penalty kicks by fullback Kevin Lacy sealed the win for South Carolina.
South Carolina moves to 2-0 while the Bulldogs drop to 0-2 after dropping a decision to Lander University, a varsity side.

“Winning an away match in our conference is always tough,” said South Carolina Coach John Roberts. “Georgia has a very athletic side, and they hampered our perimeter attack. We did not play our best rugby today but persevered by besting a quality opponent.”

Unfortunately, South Carolina lost center Jack McGoldrick (broken fibula) for the season. Eight-man and captain Grant Howard also left the game with a concussion but is expected to return.

The Gamecock B-side fairly dominated the Bulldogs for most of that contest building 28-7 lead before Georgia scored three consecutive trys late in contest after several first-year players joined the game.
​
“Our second side moved the ball really well and controlled the game,” said Roberts. “This illustrates our growing strength as an organization.”
The Gamecocks are idle Saturday. The team’s b-side will take Belmont Abbey (a varsity program) at home September 30.

---