Anthem RC Earns First Point in MLR Standings

Team recorded a try bonus point for scoring four tries or more

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 17, 2024) – Anthem Rugby Carolina hosted the Dallas Jackals for its Round Three match in Major League Rugby on Sunday afternoon at American Legion Memorial Stadium, falling 28-68. 

“We’re scoring a lot, so that part of our game we have down, but we have to work on putting in a full 80 minutes of defense,” flyhalf Shane Barry explained.

Captain Jake Turnbull scored his first try for Anthem RC in the 26th minute. Oscar Koller added a successful conversion kick.

The hosts opened the second half with an emphatic start as Joe Basser scored a seven-point try within the first minute of play.  

“What I’m really happy about is them growing as a team and us as a management group,” Head Coach Alama Ieremia said. “The adjustments made at halftime for every game so far has had a big impact, we just have to find the right recipe in terms of how we can compete from the start.”

Josh Shetler added another try for Anthem RC in the 50th minute. Shane Barry restarted play quickly with a pass to Te Rangatira Waitokia who found Shetler with enough room to reach the try zone. Koller scored the conversion kick. 

A penalty try was awarded to Anthem RC in the 63rd minute for a deliberate knock-on preventing a pass by Dallas’ Vaughen Isaacs who got in between Barry’s pass intended for Cael Hodgson. 

The Jackals added multiple tries in the final minutes to extend the margin of victory for the visitors. 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Anthem RC is on the road on Saturday, March 23 to take on fellow expansion side, the Miami Sharks. The match begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be streamed for free on The Rugby Network.