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(UR - D1) University of South Carolina vs. (#18 - D1) Clemson University
 Friday, October 17th, 2008
Clemson, SC - 7:00 PM


Match Summary
Statistics
Match Summary:
Clemson, SC – This past Friday night, the Men’s Rugby team at the University of South Carolina rolled into Clemson University for the next chapter in its hated rivalry, and once again left victorious. After 13 years of futility against the Tigers, USC now boasts its own winning streak, with this Friday’s win capping the third defeat in a row for Clemson.

The match was physical, as usual, and behind tries from senior wings Chris Stevens and Asher Hannah, the Gamecocks pulled out to a 10-5 half-time lead. This didn’t leave the Tigers in despair, however, as Clemson rallied early in the second half, capping a 13-0 run to take a commanding 18-10 lead with 5 minutes remaining. Down, but not out, the Gamecocks were quick to rally themselves.

Senior outside center Brad Kieber broke a run with 3 minutes remaining that left the home crowd devastated. Utilizing a tenacious stiff-arm, Kieber, a two-time SEC All-Star selection, ran right up the gut of the Tiger defense, placing the ball in the middle of the end zone for an easy conversion by freshman fullback Cullen Clair. The conversion (2 points) would prove the difference-maker. As a horrified homecoming crowd of past Clemson ruggers, fans, and alumni looked on, USC came out aggressively on the ensuing kick-off, quickly winning the ball back, down 18-17 with mere minutes remaining. Vicious tackling by the Gamecock XV stymied the desperate Tiger offense, and Clemson was unable to put the game away. Off-sides yet again, the Tigers found themselves on the wrong end of a penalty as the ref’s time expired, and freshman fullback Cullen Clair once again came up big. With no time remaining, Clair booted a 3-point penalty goal and the Gamecocks rushed the field to their third straight victory over Clemson.

Clemson had entered the game as the #18 club in the nation, according to American Rugby News’s weekly Top 25. The loss set the Tigers back to #22, and warranted special mention of South Carolina as a team on the rise. The Gamecocks (3-1) now move on to play perennial rugby powerhouse Furman University at home on Saturday, October 25th. It is the hope of the coaching staff that this test will provide the mettle the Gamecocks need prior to the SEC Championship Rugby Tournament in Birmingham, AL on November 8th & 9th.  The Gamecocks conclude their fall season action on November 15th at home against Coastal Carolina University, the Palmetto Rugby Union 2007 Championship Tournament Champions.

Notably, the reserve grade (‘B’) side for USC is undefeated in its fall campaign (3-0-1), having bested the likes of East Carolina University, College of Charleston, and Clemson University. The Gamecock ‘B’ side defeated Clemson’s reserve grade side 11-10, with a try by fullback Nick Koch and two penalty goals by outside center Steve Kornahrens. South Carolina has a very promising reserve grade side, and is a potential favorite in the SEC 2nd Division Championship competition in three weeks.

Press Release: uscrugby 101808.pdf

Statistics:
University of South Carolina First XV 'A' #18 Clemson University First XV 'A'
# Player Time # Player Time
1. M. Dillard   1.    
2. J. Schlachterman   2.    
3. Z. Coffman / S. Tinman 70:00 3.    
4. C. Kane   4.    
5. G. Tabasko / J. Drum 65:00 5.    
6. M. Minnillo   6.    
7. A. Hughes (c)   7.    
8. Jas. Jacobs / J. Skaggs 55:00 8.    
9. C. O' Callahan   9.    
10. M. Vernery   10.    
11. C. Stevens   11.    
12. D. Chandik   12.    
13. B. Kieber   13.    
14. A. Hannah / C. Clair 40:00 14.    
15. C. Clair / S. ?? 40:00 15.    
           
Scoring Summary Scoring Summary 
14. A. Hannah TRY 24:00 #?.   TRY 18:00
11. C. Stevens TRY 35:00 2.   TRY 56:00
13. B. Kieber TRY 77:00 15.   CON 56:00
15. C. Clair CON 77:00 15.   PG 70:00
15. C. Clair PG 80:00 15.   PG 75:00
   
University of South Carolina Reserve Grade 'B' Clemson University Reserve Grade 'B'
Scoring Summary Scoring Summary 
15. N. Koch TRY 9:00 #?   PG 37:00
13. S. Kornahrens PG 38:30 #?   TRY 50:00
13. S. Kornahrens PG 76:00 #?   CON 50:00
 
 
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Copyright 2008. Erik Geib - Vista South Solutions