The South Alabama rugby club defeated Troy 25-7 on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Sportplex in Troy, Ala., in the Jaguars’ second match of the season, according to a release from coach Darwin.
The University of South Alabama Men’s Rugby Club played in cold, windy weather on a wet, sloppy field.
Short Bench
South Alabama traveled with 16 players, leaving one reserve available. Troy had seven reserves.
How the Match Unfolded
South Alabama opened with a driving maul before the ball was moved wide across the field. Penalties pushed Troy back near its own goal line, and Jayvon Jackson picked the ball up from the back of a ruck to score the Jaguars’ first points.
As the conditions led to slips, knock-ons and handling errors, Troy’s inside center scored a try under the posts. The conversion gave the Trojans a 7-5 lead.
Penalties against Troy continued to give South Alabama field position. The Jaguars took advantage by kicking for touch and taking quick taps near the goal line, and they did not allow another score.
Gabriel Torres scored two tries, and Jackson and Ruben Lugo each scored one. Torres was named South Alabama’s man of the match. Troy’s inside center was named the Trojans’ man of the match.
Starting Lineup
South Alabama started Vaughan Blacksher, Jianni Spicciani, Scott DeGraw, Stuart O’Rear, Gabriel Torres, Joseph Goodie, Jayvon Jackson, Balla Masemola, Patrick Johnston, Ruben Lugo, Kye Cole, Chris Ambron, Aaron Roote, Saad Alshareeda, Eugene DeBartolo and James Wilbanks.
Next: Spring Hill
South Alabama plays at crosstown rival Spring Hill College on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. on the Spring Hill campus, continuing the Old Shell Road rivalry. Both clubs are 1-1.
More information about the club is available at southalabamarugby.com.
