Tar Heels Struggle Against Raleigh

Spring Training Session

Saturday, February 3rd, 2007

Carolina A & B , Raleigh Vipers

Poole Road, Raleigh — Carolina returned to action on Saturday against the Raleigh Vipers. The Tar Heels shifted several players around within the first fifteen to accommodate injuries and illness. In the backs outside centre Ed Perkins shifted in to fly half, as starting number 10 Alastair McKeever was out with the flu. Winger Will Smith stepped into the number 13 shirt and sophomore Neil Perez earned his second A-side cap at wing. In the forwards Joe Harrington filled in at lock for Niles Miller (strained MCL) and Zach Chesson started at number eight.

Despite the changes the Tar Heels started strongly moving the ball down the pith with ease. However, an errant pass from halfback Rufaro Sikipa went uncollected by several Carolina players and the Vipers capitalized on the sloppy play and touched down an early try. UNC quickly regrouped on the opening kickoff when the forwards claimed a well placed Perkins kick. Carolina put together several good phases of play and forced the Vipers to concede an early penalty. Unfortunately that was the end of Carolina’s offensive.

Once the Vipers got the ball they forced a penalty inside the Tar Heel 22. Instead of going for points, Raleigh took a quick tap and exploited a disorganized Carolina defense to score a second try of the half.

Having gained the momentum the Vipers used their size and physicality to overpower Carolina in the scrums and rucks. This set an unfortunate theme for the half as Raleigh used strong forward play draw the Tar Heels in and then set up their backs to score out wide.

At the half Carolina saw the return of captain Will “Ned” Hayles for Taylor Rogers at flanker. Ned returned after a long stint on the sideline due to a broken jaw. Freshman Seth Mclamb and Junior Emmanuel Bello also entered the game at inside centre and wing respectively.

The replacements breathed new life into the Tar Heels as they began another offensive. The Carolina backs used McLamb’s large frame to pound it inside, and then swung it wide to Schwartz who hit a streaking Alex Lee. Lee broke for thirty meters but came inches short of the line and turned the ball over on a double movement.

The Tar Heels were not done as they got the ball back after the Vipers fullback knocked-on near the twenty two. Carolina pushed the ball two the five meter line and forced several Raleigh penalties. Ned Hayles took a quick tap and dove over the line for the score.

The Vipers would not give in and continued to take advantage of Carolina mistakes to tally on several more scores. It was a rough day for the Tar Heels who played well but struggled to match the physicality and experience of the Vipers. Next week Carolina looks to bounce back against Wake Forest before beginning their Matrix season against Florida.

UNC Lineup: Paterno, Hans, Sams, Mitchell, Harrington, Rogers (Hayles, 45), Krouse, Chesson, Sikipa, Perkins, Perez (Bello, 45), Tiffany (McLamb, 45), Smith, Lee, Schwartz

Man of the Match:

Tries: Hayles (65)
Conversions: Perkins (0 of 1)
Penalties: Perkins (2 of 2)
Drop Goals:

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Modified Feb 10, 2007. 04:54 pm