Old White Kicks Off the Spring with a Familiar Foe
by: Jonny Rea
Atlanta Old White began its spring campaign over the weekend, in a match that featured a familiar opponent in a slightly unfamiliar setting. On a chilly Friday night at Life University’s Lupo Field, Old White faced off against Life University’s Men’s Club in an exhibition match that featured 3 halves and over 60 players seeing time on the pitch.
The regular matchup proved effective for both sides yet again as they build up to their competitive spring campaigns. Old White faced a well-drilled, well disciplined, high-IQ rugby side with tons of speed and precision, while Life was challenged to look for answers against a big and powerful side, especially in the set piece. This mutually beneficial relationship produced another cracker under the lights on Friday.
Old White used the match as an opportunity to test out different combinations and get experience for every player available. In total, 37 players donned the black uniform, many playing in new positions or even in their first rugby game ever. The roster, with a “d” to denote debut with Old White, was as follows:
Alejandro Ospina
Bejohn Baker
Brandon Corbitt (d)
Brandon Wilgor
David Rogers
Derek Grant
Derrick Keyoga
Drew Moyes
Francois Simand
Harlan Faddis
Harrison Duncan
Ike Owens
Iutisone Wilson Tupua (d)
Jarrett Gartin
Jarryd Dick
Jon Garbin
Jose Barrera
Kimani Archer
Lawrence Lam
Lucas Obara
Matt Vera (d)
Menelik Zafir
Miami Jean-Baptiste (d)
Michael Annis (d)
Mitch Shea
Pierre Wansbury (d)
Q Oliver
Queveon Jenkins (d)
Rafa Dominguez
Sam Ngethe
Sheldon Kelly (d)
Taner Guven (d)
Timothy Acker
Tyler Goosen (d)
Zach Miller
Zach Price
UP NEXT: Old White goes on the road to face the Nashville Rugby Football Club in the final friendly before the spring matrix season begins. The match is scheduled as a double-header this Saturday, 11 February, with both clubs fielding full D2 and D3 sides.
