Phoenix Alpharetta defeated South Greenville Saturday in Greer, SC in a clash between the #16 and #21 HS club's, as ranked by GRR.

Restricted by Rugby Georgia to only playing 10s and 7s with no scrums within Georgia, Phoenix has the opportunity outside of the state to get a challenging game against a perennially strong and physical program on their home turf.

The visitors opened well with an early scrum penalty before cycling the ball through their backs to threaten the South Greenville line. Unfortunately, a yellow card was issued by referee Nigel Platt for a high tackle and the home side was down to 14 players for 10 minutes, and Alpharetta capitalized to full effect with a try from wing Tyran McCoy following a well-worked backline move involving passes from seven players.

Flyhalf Sebastian Kennett slotted the conversion to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

For the first 20 minutes of the half, South Greenville, operating with a man in the bin for a large proportion, absorbed significant pressure but their defense held firm. Toward the end of the half, they had their best period within the game and the Phoenix defense was severely tested with strong breaks from Jack Cain and impressive flyhalf Max Tingom. For Phoenix, flanker Andrew Blevins was outstanding while team captain Kennett was an effective pivot and playmaker. It was surprising and perhaps foolhardy that Alpharetta elected to run the ball at every chance from within their 22, when turning the ball over from the Greenville attack, considering they were playing with a significant wind advantage. But they did opt against the kick and there was no further scoring in the first period. Phoenix 7-0 up at the break.

The second half began in much the same manner as the first with Phoenix Kennett finishing off breaks from center Ben Dillon and fullback Jonson Rodell for the second visitor try. Surprisingly, Kennett missed the easy conversion to leave the score at 12-0. Phoenix then emptied their bench, perhaps thinking the game won. However, typical of Warren Taylor-coached sides, South Greenville would not lie down and stymied the Phoenix attack through excellent tackling which often resulted in a Phoenix knock-on or penalty. Following a strong solo run from Max Tingom being halted almost on the Alpharetta line, Jack Cain produced a spectacular dive over the Phoenix defensive line to score under the posts—an exceptional individual effort.

A strong charge from Phoenix blocked down the resultant conversion attempt from Tingom, leaving the score 12-5. The South Greenville fightback was stymied shortly thereafter when Phoenix wing Andreas Zis powered over from short range following some strong Phoenix pressure on the South Greenville line. Kennett nailed the difficult conversion to make the final score Phoenix Alpharetta 19, South Greenville 5. Phoenix flanker Andrew Blevins was named Man of the Match having counter-rucked and tackled to perfection, combined with nine positive carries.

Alpharetta travel to the Carolinas again next Sunday to take on HS Club #1 Charlotte Tigers in their annual matchup. Although this game was a positive opening against a young but well coached South Greenville side, they will need to up their performance further to spring a surprise on a very good Charlotte Tigers squad.