ASU vs UGA Summary

Arkansas State traveled many a freeway mile to Athens, Georgia and a Saturday game with the University of Georgia Bulldogs. After a ten hour drive Friday, Arkansas State started strong and continued their undefeated ways in Division 1 Rugby, defeating the Bulldogs 54-5.

ASU used stifling defense and unselfish distribution of the ball in jumping out to a 32-0 half time lead. Ben Naiveli opened the scoring five minutes into the game on a nice 30 metre run through Georgia's backline. Next was Donnie Swanepoel racing wide to score 5 minutes later (10-0). Twenty minutes into the first half, prop Jake Grubbs scored for the second game in a row on a quick tap from five metres out (15-0). Roland Evans dotted down twice in a five minute period with the second try converted by Curtis Huckaby (27-0). Aaron Church closed the scoring out in the first half with a 40 metre charge, offloading to Naiveli to Huckaby, and back to Church.

Georgia started out the scoring in the second half with pressure and, aided by a series of penalties, scored 5 minutes into the half (32-5). From there David Caswell scored (37-5), followed by Andries Wessels (42-5), Darrin Oliver (47-5, Caswell conversion 49-5), and finally Caswell again as the game ended (54-5).

After breaking down the film Coach Huckaby commented "we had some good moments, but it will be interesting when we are pressured. Next up is Clemson and although we will be at home we certainly expect a tough, tough game from the Clemson Tigers. Georgia battled to the final whistle. It will be an interesting game next weekend between Georgia and South Carolina." State's record now stands at 8-0, 2-0 in league play.