MOBILE, Ala. — The University of South Alabama Rugby Football Club played the first match in its history Saturday, falling 31-0 to Spring Hill College at Spring Hill.
The match was well attended, and Spring Hill’s more experienced side pulled away with three tries in the final 20 minutes.
First Half
South Alabama opened with strong defensive pressure that pinned Spring Hill deep in its own territory. Penalties against the first-year Jaguars soon flipped field position, and South Alabama spent several minutes defending near its own goal line. Tackles by inside center Kye Cole and flanker Jayvon Jackson kept Spring Hill out of the try zone during that stretch.
Spring Hill scored the first try about 10 minutes into the match. The conversion was missed, leaving the score 5-0.
Both teams traded possession over the next 25 minutes. Outside center Gabriel Torres made several long runs for South Alabama, and the Jaguars’ best scoring chance came on a penalty near the Spring Hill goal line. After several phases, South Alabama was penalized, and Spring Hill worked the ball upfield and scored again with about three minutes left in the half. The conversion again missed, and Spring Hill led 10-0 at halftime.
Second Half
Both teams substituted frequently after the break. South Alabama’s defense held Spring Hill scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the second half before Spring Hill scored three tries in the final 20 minutes to complete the 31-0 result.
In keeping with rugby custom, the teams played an additional 20-minute period after regulation so that every player on both rosters could get significant playing time.
Team Awards
Scrumhalf and captain Ruben Lugo was named South Alabama’s man of the match. Lugo made several attacking runs, broke free multiple times by picking up the ball from the back of the scrum and distributed the ball to teammates.
Torres, who wears No. 13, received “The Hammer,” the team’s award for best defensive performance.
Prop Scott DeGraw and locks Jonathan Orso and Hayden Haynie played all 100 minutes.
Joining the Club
The South Alabama rugby club practices Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on Field 4 at the university’s intramural fields. The club is open to all South Alabama students. More information is available at southalabamarugby.com.
