Phoenix Rugby of Georgia hosted Greenville HS out of South Carolina Saturday in Alpharetta, Ga. in perfect conditions.

After an opening 15 minutes where both teams threatened, Phoenix were first on the board when No. 8 Marek Lipold, took the ball from a long lineout throw and weaved through the defense to score. The conversion was missed and it sparked the best period of the game for Greenville. Impressive scrumhalf Connelly Mitchell crossed the Phoenix line with a determined carry only to have the score disallowed after he crossed the dead ball line. Not to be denied, Connelly, who impressed throughout, followed up with a duplicate run five minutes later, and this time downed the ball successfully. The difficult conversion was missed to leave the half time score tied at 5-5, a fair reflection of the game thus far.

Buster Kennett photos.

In the second half, Phoenix brought on regular flyhalf Mitchell Blair, and this appeared to make a huge difference to the offense. Center Tim Voin intercepted a pass in the Greenville backline and scored under the posts after a 35-meter sprint. Logann Cricick converted the opportunistic score. Greenville was then denied on the Phoenix line with some stout defending and the home side then drove to the Greenville 22. From a scrum, Marek Lipold picked up at the base and sprinted over for his second try of the day. Cridick made the difficult conversion to leave the final score at Phoenix 19, Greenville 5.

Returning Phoenix flanker Bennett Erickson was named Man of the Match with an impressive seven steals on the day. Next up for Phoenix is the anticipated home MSIRL game against Charlotte Tigers on Saturday while Greenville open their South Carolina league season.

"The two teams were very evenly matched with the difference being that we took our chances when they were presented," said Phoenix Coach Clinton Cridick. "Both teams played their full squads so it was a good learning experience for both sides, particularly the rookies. I'm pleased as our organization was good and we continue to improve with every game."