Texas A&M goes 3-0 against Sam Houston and Lamar
Submitted by Johnny Smith, edited by RugbyInTexas
Texas A&M defeated Sam Houston State 60-13 at home. The game is the
latest in a series of matches leading up to the Aggies’ Premier League opener against Oklahoma University
on March 5th.
A&M’s reserves played split-squad games against Lamar University and Sam Houston II,
both coming out victorious by scores of 24-10 and 48-0.
Texas A&M scored 10 tries on the day with doubles from All American Hunter Leland and
newcomer Tyler Gessner while flyhalf Conor Mills converted 6/10 conversions and 1/1 on penalty kicks.
The defensive pressure was good but rarely tested as Sam Houston struggled with possession.
Although the score line seems impressive, the A&M coaching staff was not satisfied, “It was a step
back from last week’s game (a win at HARC). Our handling was poor and we had too many penalties, especially at the
breakdown” said Asst. Coach Johnny Smith.
Head Coach Craig Coates did see improvement in the team’s decision-making however, “We did get people into the
right places at the right times but we just couldn’t finish numerous opportunities. Our handling just let
us down today. In our Premier League games, we will not see 10-15 scoring opportunities. If we’re really
good, we will see 2-3 and we have to execute those opportunities if we hope to be successful. This game
has provided us with plenty of things to work on the next couple of weeks.”
A&M’s White Squad defeated Lamar University 24-10 led by the kicking of #10 Joe
Doyle, who was 1-2 on conversions and 4/4 on penalty kicks. “Our back row was very impressive as Chris
Frazier made a real difference in the game and Cameron Schaefer was a tackling machine. Both are new
players and will be pressing the other back row players for time” said Coach Smith.
In the last game of the day, A&M defeated Sam Houston II 48-0. The team was led by Ben Teaney along with double try
scorers Jonathan Barbee and Robert Yarborough.
Texas A&M next travels to Dallas to play Super League team the Dallas Harlequins. Captain Conor
Bertrand is looking forward to the challenge, “We have numerous former A&M players on the
Harlequin’s squad and it should be a great match. They are the best team in Texas and this match should
be great preparation for the Premier League.” Kickoff for next week’s game is 2 pm and directions and
information can be found at www.aggierugby.com.
Alliance Rugby Club also has a high school and youth sides. If you can, can you also list us under HS clubs? Thanks.
Mike Jefferson
Alliance Rugby Club President