Savannah started their defense of the 2014 GRU Division 3 championship in style as they hosted Atlanta Old White B in Forsyth Park in week 1 action. After weeks of training getting many new faces up to speed on the Shamrocks’ game plan, Savannah was able to capture a week one victory over Old White and earn a bonus point in the win. It only took newly acquired fullback, Elijah Fluker, two minutes into the match to score his first try for the Rocks after a nice run from 30 meters out, conversion by Matthew Midgett successful. (Savannah 7 – Old White 0). The game intensity ramped up from both teams as the next 15 minutes were played near mid-field with both forwards unwilling to give an inch. That was until inside center, Chad Cooley, broke several backline tackles en route to a 25 meter try scoring run in the 19th minute, conversion by Midgett. (Savannah 14 – Old White 0). Savannah kept up the defensive pressure up and turned over a ball near Old White’s 22m line when flyhalf, Midgett, sold a dummy fake on his inside and was able to skate through for a try in the 25th minute, conversion missed. (Savannah 19 – Old White 0). In the last 10 minutes of the opening half the Shamrocks were kept deep in their own territory until they turned another ball over which was kicked away by Cooley and tracked down by the speedy Fluker for his second try of the half, conversion by Midgett. (Savannah 26 – Old White 0). A loss of composure in the waning minutes of the half led to a penalty against Savannah which was capitalized on by Old White’s forward and backs as they linked up for a try of their own in the 38th minute, conversion successful. (Savannah 26 – Old White 7).
Halftime Score: Savannah 26 – Old White 7
Savannah came out in the second half determined to keep up the intensity of the first. In the 43rd minute of the match a nice backline move paid off for winger, Tim Grande, as he was able to dot down his first try of the season, conversion missed. (Savannah 31 – Old White 7). Savannah’s forwards smelled blood in the water and solid rucking and possession paid off in the form of a try for hooker, Will Garnett, in the 58th minute, conversion by Midgett. (Savannah 38 – Old White 7). Old White failed to buckle under pressure and were rewarded with a try when their hard running flanker blasted through for a try under the post in the 63rd minute, conversion successful. (Savannah 38 – Old White 14). The Shamrocks refused to allow Old White to swing momentum in their favor for long as solid tackling dislodged the ball from an Old White ball carrier which was scooped up quickly by lock, Teri Ransome, who sprinted down the sideline for a 60m try in the corner, conversion missed. (Savannah 43 – Old White 14). Savannah took the opportunity to get reserves some well deserved minutes. The fresh legs were a welcome on the field as strong forward crashes led to a big overload which Cooley cut back to score under the post for his second try of the game, conversion by Midgett. (Savannah 50 – Old White 14). In the 78th minute, the Rocks’ energizer, Ben Kochli, was rewarded with a hard fought try from 5m out, conversion by Midgett. (Savannah 57 – Old White 14). Much to Old White’s credit they refused to give in until the final whistle and were able score in the final seconds, conversion successful (Savannah 57 – Old White 21).
It was a great kickoff to the season for the Savannah Shamrocks. First games are often the toughest as some new faces are learning to gel with veterans on the club but this victory gave Savannah the 5 point league victory that they sought. They now prepare for Week 2 as they travel to Augusta for a 3pm kickoff. Augusta also earned a victory in week one over Macon so this game will feature a matchup of two early undefeated teams.
Final Score: Savannah 57 – Old White 21
Forward of the Match: Derick Howard
Back of the Match: Elijah Fluker
