Early Penalties and Errors Come Back to Haunt the Bearcats

GREENWOOD - A very hot and humid Saturday morning was a contributing factor early in the match for the Lander Bearcats. Costly penalties and knock-ons early in the match contributed to the 12-0 score at the half in favor of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

Lander made some adjustments at the half and was able to control the possession and territory for most of the second half. Sophomore Jacob Dawkins was able to get the half started with a try for the home team. Dawkins intercepted a Coastal pass at midfield and raced into the try zone, evading defenders. Unfortunately, the kick was wide-right. The Chanticleers answered with a try to extend their lead 19-5.

The Bearcats wouldn't give up; as hooker Patrick Beriont got a try. Unfortunately, it was left unconverted, bringing the score to 10-19. The Bearcats are controlling territory and possession at this point in the match, and Joaquin Villegas takes a pick and goes into the try zone, with Nathan Charbonnel converting the kick. 17-19. Unfortunately, the score would stand with a Coastal victory.

Head Coach Buck Billings had this to say on the day, "Hats off to Coastal. They've got a great side and should do well this Fall. Unfortunately, the penalties and knock-ons early impacted the game too much at the end. We got a little in our heads early with the humidity and heat, which resulted in some sloppy play. Fortunately, the men showed resilience after the first twenty minutes, and we played much better. The second half definitely had a different mindset, and the play showed it. I was excited to see Derek Peebles have a good match at prop. Will Watts had some great defense in the midfield. Tiaan "TJ" Janse van Rensburg made some great plays and directed our backs well. It was also good to see James Borders back on the pitch after a year out for injury. Joaquin Villegas and Josh Bryant both played exceptionally well in the backline. Overall, it stinks to lose, but we showed significant improvement from last year and have a lot of potential for this year. We have enough depth that guys will need to compete this week for playing time, and our bench can really help us. I'm excited about this Fall!"

Next Up
The Bearcats will travel to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on Saturday, Sept. 7, for a noon match at TN Rugby Park.

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Players Mentioned

Joaquin Villegas: Freshman

Patrick Beriont: Sophomore

James Borders: 5' 10"; Graduate Student

Jacob Dawkins: Sophomore

Derek Peebles: Sophomore

Tiaan "TJ" Janse van Rensburg: Graduate Student

Nathan Charbonnel: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Joaquin Villegas
: Freshman

Patrick Beriont
: Sophomore

James Borders
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student

Jacob Dawkins
: Sophomore

Derek Peebles
: Sophomore

Tiaan "TJ" Janse van Rensburg
: Graduate Student

Nathan Charbonnel
: Freshman