Cape Fear Wash Away Charleston

Cape Fear RFC: 23
Charleston Outlaws RFC: 11

Cape Fear put on a very impressive performance in their first outing of the season, the score not really telling the full story. The constant rain meant that the ball was extremely slippery and hindered both sides from performing any champagne rugby.

The game began with a period of pressure from the Charleston side which resulted in a penalty to the visiting side on the 10th minute. Cape fear replied with some excellent forward play which gave the backs clean ball one of our debutants Matthew Williams setting up Drew Gonzalez to go smashing over the line with full back Merritt Mclean securing the extra 2 points. For much of the first half the play was scrappy with several balls going to ground. With 15 minutes to go before the half time break Matthew Williams took control close to the Charleston line as he went crashing over for his first try in a Cape Fear Jersey, Mclean adding the extra 2. Fear persisted on giving away silly penalties which made life difficult and, this also helped Charleston chip away at Fears lead by adding a try and penalty kick towards the end of the first period. Half time score Cape Fear 14 – Charleston 11.

The second half saw a revitalized Fear run on to the pitch with player/coach Paul Dorrington taking over the reigns from the experienced Dave Johnson in the front row. It was Fear in control from the kick off, forwards battering the Charleston defense consistently. Every time Charleston managed to make a break Fears backline were up fast in defense which inevitably led to a Charleston mistake. The constant pressure eventually became too much for the Charleston defense as they tired penalties came at a rapid rate with Merritt Mclean taking 3 opportunities at goal to give Fear a comfortable lead.

Player/ Coach Paul Dorrington said after the match “I am very pleased with the commitment the guys gave today, we have a lot to work on but we are definitely heading in the right direction”.