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Just too good
South D1 League Match
Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Man of the match Justin Epifanio carries forward against ASU
Carolina A 19, Arkansas State 65View Photo Gallery
Chapel Hill — It was always going to be tough, ASU were ranked 4th in the country and had given most teams they had faced so far, monstrous hidings, but UNC were going to give it their best shot.
The Tarheels can brag that they led ASU 3-0 (very briefly) and also scored more points against them than any other team in a few seasons, but thats where its stops, ASU were simply in a different class - quicker to the breakdown, fitter, stronger and ruthless when they had their chances.
Gregor MacLennan got the Tarheels in front after 10 minutes when they were awarded a penalty but that was as good as it got. ASU moved the ball to its hard running centers who simply barged their way over. UNC didn't look like crossing the ASU line until almost halftime but were thwarted just short by some ferocious tackling. MacLennan added 2 more penalties for a halftime score of 24-9.
UNC had been outplayed but were still in the game and came out after the break looking to score tries - lady luck was not on their side and in an attack right after the whistle, coughed up the ball in the ASU 22 who then moved it to their speedy right-winger who showed blistering pace to score under the posts.
The Tarheels never gave up and did something not many others have done this year and that is cross the ASU try line when UNC Man of the Match Justin Epifanio capped another tenacious performance - Gregor MacLennnan converted.
Although harsh on the field, ASU are a class act off it as well and playing sides like Arkansas State can only help the Tarheels in the long run.
Everyone at Chapel Hill wishes the Red Wolves all the best when they take on Marfu #1 or #2 at the Nationals in Atlanta.
UNC Lineup: Paterno, Rierson, Raczkowski, Mohar, Stokes, Epifanio, Lee, Martin, Le, MacLennan, Moye, Rose, Giffin, Spencer, Van Niekerk. Subs: Webber, Cottingham
Man of the Match: Justin Epifanio
Tries: Epifanio
Conversions: MacLennan (1 of 1)
Penalties: MacLennan (4 of 5)
Drop Goals:
Reported by Andy Richards
Modified Mar 25, 2009. 08:51 am