Anthem RC Battled With Houston SaberCats

Anthem RC home again on May 18 for Hometown Heroes Night

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 10, 2024) – Anthem Rugby Carolina faced a tough game against the Major League Rugby Western Conference leaders, Houston SaberCats, and fell 15-38 on Friday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Anthem RC is at home again on Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. against RFC Los Angeles for Hometown Heroes Night. Purchase tickets at anthemrc.com/tickets.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Houston took the lead in the 11th minute with a try and unsuccessful conversion kick, opening the match, 0-5.

A sudden burst of offense came in the 17th minute as Michael Ma’afu found a gap in the Houston defense, allowing him to gain a sizable distance. After Ma’afu completed a no-look pass to Siaosi Nai, Connor Robinson secured the ball from a ruck and caused the SaberCats to land in an offside position. Te Rangatira Waitokia scored the first points of the match for Anthem RC with a successful penalty goal.

The SaberCats responded with four unanswered tries for a considerable lead at the half. 

Less than three minutes into the second half, Anthem RC added more points on the board. A tricky juke move by Albert O’Shannessey wrong-footed the SaberCats, allowing Anthem RC to string together a few more passes and lead Josh Shetler into the try zone. 

In the 67th minute, Waitokia found Tyren Al-Jiboori open on the edge of the sideline for another Anthem Rugby Carolina try. Waitokia then scored the conversion kick.

NOTABLES:

• Graeme Pedegana made his first start for Anthem RC.
• Josh Shetler made his first appearance back from injury since March 23 and scored his third try of the season.

QUOTES:
Head Coach Alama Ieremia

On taking the penalty goal early in the first half
“We wanted to make sure that we stayed within reach of the scoreboard. Sometimes, we’ve tried to get a bit too far ahead in our thinking, but it is important to stay in touch with the scoreboard. There were moments in the game where we were right up there, but then all of a sudden, errors cost us.”

On giving up points immediately after scoring on offense
“It is a mindset thing, and no matter what we do, we have to get better at it. You can enjoy the moment, but you have to move on very quickly. We talk about double positives, but saying it and doing it are two different things at the moment. We will look at some of those areas to try to get our mindset right.”

Josh Shetler

On making his return from injury
“It was disappointing not being able to play for seven weeks, but to get back out there and score a try is awesome. The boys set me up well.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Anthem RC faces RFC Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium for Hometown Heroes Night. Purchase tickets at anthemrc.com/tickets.