Bouncing Back Big

by: Jonny Rea

Atlanta Old White played its second consecutive home matrix match on Saturday, this time taking care of business against Greenville. Greenville travelled well and played a vastly improved style of rugby since Old White defeated them on the road in the fall. Old White appears to have improved as well, as it was another lobsided game, with the hometown team winning 64-17.

Old White played their system well and opportunities opened for tries to be scored by players all over the pitch. However, Atlanta will look to get back to the defensive effort we saw last week, when they gave up just 3 more points to the first-placed Renegades.

Tries were scored by Tim Acker, Zach Jessell, Gio Douyon (2), Caleb Lindsay, Jarryd Dick, Be’john Baker, Mitch Shea, Austin Fernandez, and Mike Young. Acker was 4-for-5 on conversions, while Old White debutant Pierre Wansbury was 3-for-5.

Caleb Lindsay was selected Man of the Match for his forceful defense, strong running, and constant motor. The props named Zach - McAfee and Jessell - shared the Golden Meatball Award for their dynamic play in the forward pod structure, particularly in one instance where a loop was allegedly performed, leading to a try. The roster was:

1. Zach McAfee

2. Mitch Shea

3. Zach Jessell

4. Derek Grant

5. Adam Satz

6. Caleb Lindsay

7. Be’John Baker

8. Joe Christian

9. Jarrett Gartin

10. Jarryd Dick

11. Mike Young

12. Austin Fernandez

13. Tim Acker

14. Gio Douyon

15. Joshua Federico

16. CJ Anderson

17. Jose Barrera

18. Lucas Obara

19. Eric Ombasa

20. Alejandro Ospina

21. Pierre Wansbury

22. Derrick Keyoga

23. Sam Ngethe

Atlanta’s D3 side took on an old familiar opponent on Saturday, High Country. High Country came out strong and played their usual brand of well-rounded D3 rugby, but Old White met the challenge well. Although they were not able to come out on top, the home team is showing improvement week to week and put together a lot of really solid rugby.

Tries were scored by Zach Miller, Sheldon Kelly, Harrison Duncan, and Mike Williams. Miller was 3-for-4 on conversions, and was also selected as Man of the Match for his leadership and direction on the pitch. The roster was:

1. Darian Blanchard

2. Miguel Olivier

3. Tim Moody

4. Ken Korcak

5. Taner Guven

6. Zach Price

7. Tune Ashaka

8. Brandon Corbitt

9. Harrison Duncan

10. Zach Miller (c)

11. John Correa-Eagle

12. Sheldon Kelly

13. Harlan Faddis

14. David Goosens

15. Ike Owens

16. Matt Vera

17. Mike Williams

18. Michael Annis

19. Shaquille Desouza

20. Menelik Zafir

UP NEXT: An Alabama double-header. This time it’s all friendly, as D2 takes on the University of Alabama and D3 will face Birmingham. Both matches will be at home again.