USA

Potomac Athletic Club (PAC) hosted Charlotte Rugby Club in Washington DC on Saturday, and secured a solid 53 - 33 victory over the visiting side.

Charlotte traveled light due to some unavailable players, but PAC faced similar issues and introduced a number of new faces into the team.  Charlotte coach David Hamilton was wondering if his team was still in Charlotte, as PAC raced out to an early lead and was leading at half time by 34-0.  At half time Charlotte tried to regroup, but immediately from the restart PAC added another try to stretch the lead to 41 – 0.

Hamilton notes Charlotte was their own worst enemy during the game commentating that although his players were disappointed with the game, they are capable of putting points on the board, as evidenced by posting 33 points in the second half.  Winger Ty Elkins scored a hattrick in the second half, and tries were also scored by center Jason Foresman and the other winger Daniel Dunn.  Fullback Joe Cowley converted four of these to round out the Charlotte scoring.

Hamilton was able to introduce 19 year old back row player Brandon Hedrick into the game, as he continues his use of young players.  That, and securing the bonus point for scoring four or more tries will make the trip back to Charlotte a little easier.

Over on the other sideline, PAC coach Joe Maoate notes they were short players also, especially among the backs.  But at least that gave PAC the opportunity to try out some new combinations that worked well.

PAC started the game strong, especially in the tight five, with hooker Ryan Koseski making an impressive RSL debut.  Maoate was happy with the win, but disappointed with the final 20 minutes as that bonus point conceded might come back to haunt PAC.  Greg Sullentrop, Rob Jordan, and captain David Etches each had two tries for PAC,  while Tyler Eure and Steven Shapland had one each.  Jim Canny ensured the backs did not have all the fun in the try scoring department by adding one himself.  Rob Jordan added four conversions on the day. 

Maoate also noted the play of PAC number 8 Eric Duechle, a young up-and-coming player to keep an eye on.  Among the Charlotte players, he was impressed with the play of fullback Joe Cowley and the triple try scorer, Ty Elkins.  PAC head to New York next week to take on NYAC, while Charlotte have a bye week.

WEEK 4 RESULTS
Week 3 - March 27, 2010
Charlotte 33 @ 53 Potomac Athletic Club