Article by American Rugby News
Columbia, SC – South Carolina is off
to a 2-0 start to its preseason behind a
31-10 win against East Carolina
University.
The game got off to a positive start for
the Gamecocks when within three minutes
of the opening kick-off, a quick tap off
a penalty saw two quick passes put
winger Max Vernerey into the clear for a
thirty yard run to the line.
It was converted by fullback Cullen
Clair for a 7-0 lead.
The Gamecocks dominated possession and
territory for the next 15 minutes
against the Pirates.
The USC backline went through several
phases and inside center Peter Boland
found a gap in the defense and sprinted
35 meters to dot it down between the
posts. The try was converted by Clair to
make it 14-0 South Carolina.
Within five minutes a loose ball in the
ECU backline was toed through by USC.
Center Richard Pyke gained control of
the ball and then fed winger Vernerey
who again was able to touchdown for a
19-0 lead. The conversion was missed.
The next 20 minutes before halftime saw
East Carolina control the ball and use
their big forwards to strong effect. ECU
went close to scoring and were rewarded
with a penalty goal to make the score
19-3 at the half.
In the second half the penalties began
to mount against USC. This count was to
end the game at 25 against the Gamecocks
resulting in ECU spending long periods
in USC territory but the defense was
strong.
In one of the rare times the ball ended
up in the ECU half, an attempt at
clearing the line was blocked and the
ball was recovered for a try by USC
replacement flanker, Justin Drum. This
try was converted and USC led 26-3.
East Carolina through the onslaught of
penalties camped in the USC half and
were rewarded by a well worked try under
the posts which was converted to make
the score 26-10.
A final try for USC resulted when
replacement center Dave Chandik made a
good break and fed Pyke, who stepped
past two tacklers to score.
USC was best served by second row Calvin
Storey, fullback Cullen Clair, center
Richard Pyke and five eighth Nick Hart. |
USC C vs. Sumter in
Columbia |
USC C vs. Sumter in Columbia |
USC C vs. Sumter in
Columbia |
USC C vs. Sumter in
Columbia |
USC C vs. Sumter in
Columbia |
USC C vs. Sumter in
Columbia |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
Please support us by supporting our advertisers: |
|
 |
|
