CONWAY, S.C. — Lander Men's Rugby showed plenty of grit Saturday afternoon, rallying in the closing moments to earn a dramatic 19–17 road victory over Coastal Carolina.
The performance wasn't always pretty for the Bearcats. Coastal made life difficult with a physical forward attack and took advantage when Lander moved away from its attacking structure and defensive system. Still, the Bearcats stayed in the fight and found a way to win.
Coastal took a 17–12 lead on an unconverted try with approximately eight minutes remaining, setting up a dramatic finish.
With the match in its final moments, Lander mounted one last attack.
Mustafa Mshari finished it with a try in the closing seconds to tie the match at 17–17.
Asher Johnston then stepped up and converted the pressure kick to give the Bearcats the 19–17 victory.
"You train to win pretty. You train to win with your skill," Head Coach
Buck Billings said. "But when your skill isn't quite there, or your opponent keeps you from playing the way you want to play, can you win by will? Today we did. Our guys didn't give up, we didn't implode, and we stayed positive and committed to the task."
Coastal deserves credit for making Lander earn the result. The Chanticleers' physicality, particularly through the forwards, challenged the Bearcats throughout the afternoon and showed the program's continued growth.
For Lander, the match also clarified what needs improvement. The Bearcats saw success when they trusted their structure and executed the game plan, but inconsistency created unnecessary pressure and kept Coastal in the contest.
Harry Cromie also turned in an outstanding effort. His work rate took him all over the field, and when Lander lost some of its structure, the young hooker repeatedly stepped up and did the extra work required of him.
The afternoon's major disappointment came when Lander's scheduled B-side match was canceled following a period of rain. The second side had traveled to Conway eager for valuable match minutes, and Lander explored alternatives—including moving the abbreviated match to another location—but no workable solution could be arranged on short notice.
Despite the disappointment, Lander's B-side players remained engaged, supported their teammates and celebrated the A-side victory.
"That meant a lot to me," Billings said. "Those guys wanted and deserved the opportunity to play. But they didn't make the day about their disappointment. They supported their teammates and celebrated the win because they knew they contributed, too. That's what being a team is about."
The Bearcats now enter an off week and fall break with a victory to celebrate and plenty to improve.
Saturday may have been a speed bump, but it wasn't a detour. Lander found a way to win when it wasn't at its best—and showed the resilience to stay together when the match became difficult.
Lander returns to action October 17 at Appalachian State, with the A-side scheduled for a 12 p.m. kickoff and the B-side to follow.
Final: Lander 19, Coastal Carolina 17
Match Awards
