Bearcats Best the Bulldogs

GREENWOOD - Despite the drizzle and dreary weather, Lander started the match hot and carried on for a 19-12 win over the visiting University of Georgia.

First on the scoreboard was Job Madi, who touched down the ball on a lineout maul. TJ Rensburg delivered a perfectly placed kick to touch, which gave the Bearcats a perfect field position for the maul. Nathan Charbonnel slotted the conversion.

The match was very evenly contested, with both teams having solid moments. At about the midway point in the half, Madi gets another try after a fantastic run by the 8-man. Charbonnel gets the conversion to give Lander 14-0 at the half.

The second half was very back-and-forth, like the first. The Bulldogs did get the first try of the half, though; fortunately, it went unconverted. Lander answered with an unconverted try by Joaquin Villegas. The match continued back and forth until the visitors scored on the last try play of the match to bring the closing score to 19-12 in favor of the Bearcats.

Head Coach Buck Billings said after the match, "Today was a good day for us, and hopefully, it will set the tone for the season. It could be a positive turning point for our 15s program.

"Hats off to UGA. We have a friendly rivalry with them, and that's the best side for them I've seen. They have become both tactical and physical. Their attack pattern was good, and their defense was stingy. Their 13 was incredibly tough. We were very physical with him, and he never let up. Their 15 is another player we've seen develop in the last couple of seasons," said Billings.

Billings felt the Bearcats stepped up and brought their most complete match this year. He thought it was about as good of a match we've played since I've been here.

Jacob Dawkins really set the tone on defense early, and the guys rallied around his energy very positively.

The coaches knew what their backs could do, but the forwards also had their best day. Job was so consistent in both attack and defense that his two tries speak for themselves. James Borders gave the team great minutes at the tight head position, and Ethan Syswerda brought the high work rate they expected from him.

"I hope this match gives the men some confidence. It shows our potential and that our efforts in practice and off the pitch are paying off," said Billings.

UP NEXT
The Bearcats will travel to Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 28, to face the UNC Charlotte 49ers.

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Players Mentioned

James Borders: 5' 10"; Graduate Student

Jacob Dawkins: Sophomore

Ethan Syswerda: Senior

Tiaan "TJ" Janse van Rensburg: Graduate Student

Nathan Charbonnel: Freshman

Joaquin Villegas: Freshman

Players Mentioned

James Borders
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student

Jacob Dawkins
: Sophomore

Ethan Syswerda
: Senior

Tiaan "TJ" Janse van Rensburg
: Graduate Student

Nathan Charbonnel
: Freshman

Joaquin Villegas
: Freshman