The Charlotte Tigers was already 3-0 before the team hosted their first home game.

The Tigers won three Mid-South Independent Rugby League (MSIRL) games on the road, and so there was some buzz as the team hosted the North Meck Vikings Saturday night in the North Carolina league opener.

The Vikings, a longtime and respected opponent of the Tigers who are always tough, came with the size and speed. But the Tigers are looking very strong this year, and scored eight tries without reply to win 48-0.

Tighthead prop Derrick Pierce opened the scoring after the Tigers backs broke off a long run. The forwards were there to clear out and Pierce picked up and surged over. Fullback Ethyn Baker moved up from the JV team and produced several impressive runs, one of which led to a try. Tigers captain and No. 8 Jonathan Rubin put one down off a maul - Rubin has scored in every match of the season so far - and then flanker Isaac Johnson ripped one through the Vikings line for a hard-fought try.

Flyhalf Jack Williams, normally relied upon to add points with his boot, grabbed an errant Vikings pass and took it in. Speedy wing and off-season wrestler Jack Brown proved he was not all about speed on the outside and scored on phase play right up the gut alongside the forwards. Then reserve inside center Stephen Grant finished off the scoring with an outstanding run through tacklers and dove into the zone.

Williams added four conversions for the 48-0 win.

Up next, on this coming Saturday Feb.18, the Tigers face defending NC state champions Chapel Hill Highlanders.